In a thrilling encounter at the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, the JRU Heavy Bombers edged past General EAC 87-84 on June 14, 2026. The game, played at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan, was a back-and-forth affair that came down to the final possessions, with the Heavy Bombers holding their nerve to secure the win.

JRU started the game with intensity, led by their dynamic guard Rico “The Rocket” Villanueva, who poured in 24 points and dished out 6 assists. The Heavy Bombers jumped to a 26-22 lead after the first quarter, but General EAC responded in the second, using a 13-4 run to take a 47-44 advantage into halftime. EAC’s Mark Anthony Cruz was a force inside, scoring 18 points and grabbing 9 rebounds, keeping his team in control.

Second-Half Comeback

The third quarter saw JRU regain momentum through their defensive adjustments. Coach Jerry Codiñera switched to a zone defense that disrupted EAC’s ball movement, forcing three straight turnovers that led to fast-break points. Forward Jemar “JB” Bautista stepped up with 14 of his 19 points in the second half, including a clutch three-pointer that tied the game at 72-72 entering the fourth.

The final period was a tense battle. With 2:30 remaining, General EAC held an 84-83 lead after a mid-range jumper from John Michael Santos (16 points). But JRU’s Villanueva answered with a driving layup and a steal that led to a Bautista dunk, putting the Heavy Bombers up 87-84. EAC had two chances to tie in the final 20 seconds, but a missed triple and a last-second heave were off target.

Standout Players

• Rico Villanueva (JRU): 24 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds – clutch performer.
• Jemar Bautista (JRU): 19 points (14 in second half), 7 rebounds.
• Mark Anthony Cruz (EAC): 18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks.
• John Michael Santos (EAC): 16 points, 5 assists.

Preseason Significance

The victory gave JRU Heavy Bombers a 2-0 start in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, a crucial tune-up for the upcoming NCAA Season 100. Head coach Codiñera praised his team’s resilience: “We knew EAC would be tough. They’re well-coached and physical. But our guys showed heart down the stretch.” For General EAC, the narrow loss dropped them to 1-1, but they demonstrated that they will be a contender in the NCAA as well.

Both teams will return to action later in the week, with JRU facing San Beda and EAC taking on Lyceum in what promises to be another exciting slate of preseason basketball.