Bombers catch Altas at 3rd spot

Tey Teodoro takes the lead for JRU. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Tey Teodoro delivered a dazzling offensive display as Jose Rizal U sustained its stunning turnaround by repulsing Lyceum, 64-55, Tuesday to gain a share of third spot in the 91st NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena.

With his teammates struggling with their shots, Teodoro took charge, matching his career-best output of 32 points to propel the Heavy Bombers to their 11th win in 17 games, tying the Perpetual Help Altas who lost to the San Sebastian Stags, 87-91, earlier.

Coming out flat defensively in the final period, the Altas absorbed their second straight loss, putting their semifinal bid in peril. They face the Letran Knights in their last elimination-round game.

Teetering at the brink of elimination the last three weeks, the Bombers have racked up five straight victories to spring back into contention in a tight Final Four race.

“We have an opportunity now and our fate is in our hands,” said Jose Rizal U coach Vergel Meneses. “Honestly, I felt we lost our chance at making the Final Four when we lost to Mapua (last Sept. 8). We took the pressure off the players and they’ve responded.”

Teodoro, who shot 6-of-12 from beyond the arc, gave the Bombers a seven-point cushion with a transition basket with 2:08 remaining for a 62-55 lead. He nailed a couple of foul shots with 1:17 left before the Bombers scrambled and hustled to hold the Pirates scoreless the rest of the way.

Reigning MVP Earl Scottie Thompson posted his eighth triple-double of the season and 11th in his collegiate career with 15 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists, but couldn’t prevent the Altas from dropping to 11-6.

The scores:

First Game
SAN SEBASTIAN 91—Ortuoste 27, Guinto 25, Calisaan 15, Fabian 9, Capobres 9, Costelo 4, Bulanadi 2, Bragais 0, Santos 0, Pretta 0

PERPETUAL HELP 87—Dagangon 22, Akhuetie 21, Thompson 15, Eze 13, Ylagan 10, Dizon 4, Gallardo 2, Oliveria 0, Tamayo 0, Coronel 0, Elopre 0.

Quarters: 15-22, 40-41, 63-57, 91-87

Second Game
JRU 64—Teodoro 32, Pontejos 7, Poutouochi 7, Dela Virgen 6, Cruz 4, Estrella 3, Dela Paz 2, Grospe 2, Lasquety 1, Astilla 0, Sanchez 0.

LYCEUM 55—Nguidjol 13, Gabayni 11, Marata 9, Mbida 9, Ayaay 4, Bulawan 4, Sunga 3, Soliman 2, Malabanan 0, Baltazar 0, Lacastesantos 0, Alanes 0.

Quarters: 16-9, 34-25, 51-43, 64-55