JRU takes Game 1 over San Beda, moves within a win of Filoil crown

Jose Rizal University moved one victory away from claiming its first Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup championship after defeating San Beda, 70-59, in Game 1 of the Season 19 finals on Tuesday.

Lawrence Mangubat and Chris Hubilla led the Heavy Bombers on both ends of the floor as JRU seized the early advantage in the best-of-three championship series.

Head coach Nani Epondulan credited the veteran duo for bringing maturity and leadership to the squad.

"Before, laging kong sinasabi sa inyo na nag-mature na yung mga players. Pero iba yung leadership na dinala ni Chris at tsaka ni Lawrence sa team," Epondulan said.

Mangubat paced JRU with 22 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, while Hubilla contributed 19 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

The Heavy Bombers also made life difficult for the Red Lions defensively, forcing 18 turnovers to take control of the historic all-NCAA finals showdown.

JRU can complete a series sweep and secure its maiden preseason title when Game 2 tips off on Thursday at 5 p.m. A championship would also erase the sting of the school's runner-up finish in the tournament's inaugural edition in 2006.

Despite being just one win away, Epondulan stressed that the team remains focused on restoring JRU's winning tradition.

"Alam naman natin kung gaano na katagal [hindi nag-champion ang JRU sa NCAA]. Pero binubuhay namin ulit yung winning culture ng school. Mahirap, pero pag nagawa naman namin at tinrabaho namin, hindi sila makakalimutan ng tao," he said.

San Beda struggled offensively, with Zed Etulle emerging as its lone double-digit scorer after finishing with 14 points and four rebounds.