NCAA: JRU nukes EAC, keeps playoff hopes alive

Paolo Pontejos lead the JRU Heavy Bombers to their seventh win. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Jose Rizal University buried Emilio Aguinaldo College, 87-64, to keep its playoff hopes alive in the NCAA season 91 men’s basketball tournament Friday at San Juan Arena.

As early as the horn sounded, the Heavy Bombers had the Generals on their sights as they went on a 25-7 run in the first quarter alone to start the imminent demise of EAC.

JRU head coach Vergel Meneses said the rout of should be of help especially as the Heavy Bombers are stuck in sixth place.

“Definitely, this is a morale-booster for the team as we face College of St. Benilde for our next game,” Meneses said as his team improved to 7-6.

JRU used its defense to fuel its subsequent offense, limiting the Generals to 21-of-70 shooting for 30 percent while the Heavy Bombers shot at a respectable 46 percent after going 36-of-79.

EAC also had a disastrous time holding on to the ball, turning it over 19 times against five assists.

Passing was another card the Heavy Bombers used against the Generals, finishing the game with 21 assists against 15 turnovers.

Paulo Pontejos led JRU with 21 points while John Grospe and Tey Teodoro had 13 points apiece.

Sidney Onwubere put up 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the 10th seeded Generals who fell to 2-11.