Wednesday’s clash between the JRU Heavy Bombers and Letran Knights could have gone either way. Despite the Knights building a 14-point lead, the Heavy Bombers continued to display grit and kept themselves within striking distance. In the end, however, last season’s runners-up came away with the victory.
Afterward, Sean Salvador acknowledged that JRU’s lapses in the final period made the difference and vowed to learn from them as they continue on with the NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Addressing JRU’s Fourth-Quarter Errors
In the final period, Salvador, along with his teammates Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mangubat, had multiple opportunities to take the lead. Unfortunately, their shots simply would not fall. Additionally, the disparity in offensive rebounds and free throws proved costly in the Heavy Bombers’ 70-66 loss.
“Siyempre, first of all, marami talaga kaming mistakes inside the court,” said Salvador in an interview with Rebanse. “Marami kaming mga lapses sa defense, especially ’yung sa shooters nila and ’yung mga free throws din nila. Outrebounded din kami.”
Despite the Heavy Bombers winning the overall rebounding battle, 44-36, Letran’s advantage in offensive rebounds, 17-13, proved crucial, especially with the game still up for grabs in the final three minutes.
The disparity in free throws, however, was another story. The Knights shot an impressive 24-for-38 from the charity stripe, while Salvador and company went just 8-for-9 from the free-throw line throughout the game.
Accepting Their Mistakes
In the end, the sophomore guard could only accept the team’s second loss of the season and use the experience as an opportunity for personal and character development alongside his teammates.
“Parang tanggap lang, sabi ko lang sa kanila ’yung mga ganitong sitwasyon kailangan dito tayo mas matibay, as a player, as a character,” he said. “Off and on the court kailangan niyo maging matured kung paano ninyo i-handle ’to in a positive way. ’Yun lang sinasabi ko.”
With the loss, JRU dropped to 6-2 in a tie with the Benilde Blazers for first place in Group A. The Heavy Bombers will look to bounce back when they next take on the Perpetual Help Altas on October 20.
