By REYNALD MAGALLON
Jose Rizal University dominated the debuting Emilio Aguinaldo College, 77-67, to gain a share of the early lead in the Group A standings in the PG Flex Linoleum UCBL Pre-Season tournament Friday at the SGS Gym in Quezon City.
A huge opening quarter set the tone for the Heavy Bombers’ romp of the Generals with Agem Miranda exploding for 27 points to lead his team to its second-straight win and draw level with idle University of Perpetual Help atop the standings.
Miranda, who also added four rebounds and four assists in the victory, has been on a tear for the Heavy Bombers to start the tournament after also dropping 24 points in JRU’s 86-60 opening win over Olivarez College.
Meanwhile, National University also stamped its class over Centro Escolar University, 80-66, behind a stellar performance from Jhomel Ancheta who scattered 22 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Over the Group B action, Olivarez bounced back from a stinging defeat to JRU with a 75-66 victory over Philippine Christian University. Mark Gallano shone for the Sea Lions with 15 points, eight boards and two assists as they improved to a 2-1 record in the standings.
Adamson also emerged triumphant as it demolished opening day winner University of Batangas, 61-52, behind an efficient showing from Ray Allen Torres with 12 points in 17 minutes of play.
Meantime, games resume Sunday with JRU shooting for win No. 3 vs PCU-D and UAAP champion University of the Philippines going for win No. 2 against EAC-EOG at 11 a.m. CEU hopes to nail its first win versus Lyceum at 12:45 p.m. and NU tackles UB at 4:15 p.m.
