JRU Upsets San Beda to Take Solo Lead in NCAA Group

Jose Rizal University pulled off a statement win, defeating previously undefeated San Beda, 73-65, to grab solo first place in the NCAA Group of the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Wednesday.

The Heavy Bombers leaned on strong defense and timely scoring to hand the Red Lions their first loss of the tournament. Chris Hubilla led JRU with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Allen Laurenaria added 15 points and nine boards. Lawrence Mangubat contributed 14 points, and Sean Salvador came up big in the fourth quarter with nine points, including seven in a crucial stretch that helped seal the win.

Defense was the key for JRU, as they forced San Beda into 20 turnovers and limited high-scoring forward Aldous Torculas to just five points on 2-of-7 shooting. The victory improved the Heavy Bombers to a 6-0 record.

RC Calimag was the only Red Lion to reach double figures, finishing with 21 points on four three-pointers. San Beda dropped to 5-1 following the defeat.

In the other game, Mapúa escaped Arellano in a thrilling 94-89 win to improve to 3-1. MC Cuenco delivered the go-ahead three-pointer with under a minute remaining and later assisted on the final basket to seal the victory. He finished with 17 points, while Yam Concepcion posted a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Despite committing 20 turnovers and allowing 42 free throws, Mapúa held on after squandering a 15-point lead. Coach Chito Victolero admitted the win was far from pretty.

“I don’t know how we got the win, but a win is a win,” Victolero said.

Arellano remained winless at 0-6 despite a strong return from T-Mc Ongotan, who scored 20 points.