Following a grueling loss to the Letran Knights in their last game, the JRU Heavy Bombers bounced back in style with a thrilling 72-70 win over the Perpetual Help Altas in overtime on Tuesday thanks to the heroics of sophomore guard Allan Laurenaria.
With the game tied at 70 and the clock winding down, JRU standout Lawrence Mangubat drove right to his patented step-back jumper but failed to convert. Laurenaria, however, came up big with the offensive rebound and the putback layup to seal the Bombers’ victory in the continuation of the NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basktball Tournament.
The former Juniors’ Rookie of the Year credited his struggles from the past few games as motivation to seize a career-high 20 points, along with 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals.
“Pinagtrabahuan ko naman ‘to, nag-struggle ako sa past games ko, ginawa kong motivation ‘yun para makabalik ako,” Laurenaria said postgame. “Nakinig lang kami sa coaches namin sa defensive rule, dinagdagan rin namin ng puso.”
JRU Returns to Group A in Solo First
With the victory, the Bombers closed out the crossover round with a commanding 7-2 win-loss record and return to Group A as the sole owners of first place.
Chris Hubilla continued to spearhead JRU with a 15-point, 17-rebound double-double, but Laurenaria underscored his willingness to adjust to any role to help lead the Mandaluyong-based squad to championship contention.
“Kung ano lang ‘yung ipapabigay na role sakin ni coach, gagawin ko lang ‘yun. Pinagtatrabahuhan ko naman rin,” Laurenaria said.
The Heavy Bombers will look to keep their momentum rolling when they face the reigning champions, the San Beda Red Lions, on Friday, October 23, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
