By CARLO ANOLIN
Jose Rizal University fended off San Beda’s furious comeback from a 20-point deficit early on to complete an upset win over the league’s most successful squad yesterday at The Arena in San Juan City.
Getting the breaks they badly needed in the crucial stage of the game, the Bombers pulled off an 83-80 win to end a seven-game losing run to the owners of 22 titles in the NCAA Season 98.
And what a win it was.
The Heavy Bombers had to fight for dear life after the Red Lions – starring JB Bahio, Gab Cometa, and James Kwekuteye – suddenly came alive to threaten the Kalentong-based squad.
While Agem Miranda led all scorers with 21 points and three assists, Cometa proved to be a thorn on JRU’s side as he almost single-handedly carried the fight for San Beda in the last five minutes.
But the Bombers were luckier this time as Bahio and Kwekuteye faltered and misfired, allowing the former to escape with the win – their first since 2016.
With the win, the Bombers improved to 4-2, the same record of the Mendiola-based school which missed the chance to draw level with joint leaders College of St. Benilde and Lyceum.
Joshua Guiab, who had 14 points and nine rebounds, iced the game after a split free throw with 4.1 seconds, 83-80, left before William Sy secured the rebound.
The scores:
First Game
JRU 83 ˗ Miranda 21, Amores 19, Dionisio 16, Guiab 14, Dela Rosa 6, Sy 4, Gonzales 2, Celis 1, Delos Santos 0, Arenal 0, Villarin 0.
SAN BEDA 80 ˗ Bahio 19, Cometa 15, Kwekuteye 14, Ynot 12, Andrada 6, Alfaro 4, Cortez 4, Sanchez 3, Visser 2, Tagala 1, Cuntapay 0, Jopia 0.
Quarters: 24-16, 49-33, 66-58, 83-80.
