Games Today
(The Arena, San Juan City)
12 noon – SSCR vs Perpetual (Srs.)
2 p.m. – EAC vs San Beda (Srs.)
4 p.m. – CSB vs Arellano (Srs.)
Teytey Teodoro drained the crucial baskets in the final two minutes as Jose Rizal University edged Mapua, 65-60, yesterday in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
Teodoro rifled a booming trey and followed it up with a fastbreak to take the Bombers to a 65-58 lead with 1:18 left and held on to the edge until the final buzzer.
It was JRU’s first back-to-back win this season, following up its stunning 79-73 upset triumph over powerhouse San Beda at the end of the first round eliminations last Aug. 9.
They improved to 5-5, but still remained at the middle standings.
Mapua, for its part, skidded to its fourth loss against six victories to retain their fourth place seat after failing to duplicate its 74-71 triumph over JRU in their first encounter last June 25.
Teodoro exploded with 22 points on a 4-of-7 shooting behind the arc, while hauling two rebounds, two assists and two steals for the Bombers.
Ervin Grospe also stepped up for JRU by scattering 10 of his 14 points in the first half, while Paolo Pontejos chipped in eight markers.
Mapua threatened in the last three minutes after Darell Menina poured five straight points to trim the Cardinals’ deficit to 58-59.
But Teodoro was quick to act and deliver the needed cushion for JRU.
Allwell Oraeme scored another basket, but it was not enough for Mapua to deliver the victory.
Scores:
JRU 65 – Teodoro 22, Grospe 14, Pontejos 8, Dela Paz 5, Dela Virgen 5, Poutouochi 5, Lasquety 4, Cruz 2, AbdulWahab 0, Astilla 0.
MAPUA 60 – Oraeme 15, Menina 11, Eriobu 11, Isit 8, Serrano 6, Estrella 4, Orquina 3, Victoria 2, Biteng 0, Bunag 0.
Quarters: 19-18, 35-32, 45-49, 65-60.
