The JRU Heavy Bombers and Arellano Chiefs have safely booked quarterfinal slots after their wins on Tuesday at the NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Arellano Nets Comeback Win Against San Sebastian
The San Sebastian Golden Stags came out aggressively, building an early 12-point advantage behind the offensive contributions of Nurben Muktimar and Kent Bacani. The Stags maintained their momentum in the second quarter, with Khit Barroga knocking down a three-pointer to give them a 40-36 halftime lead.
However, Arellano gradually worked its way back into the contest, with King Vinoya giving the Chiefs their first lead early in the third quarter. Both teams exchanged baskets throughout the period before Arellano entered the final quarter with a slim 51-50 advantage.
The Chiefs eventually took control after holding San Sebastian scoreless for nearly six minutes in the fourth quarter. Their defensive effort fueled a decisive 10-0 run, capped by a dunk from Renzo Abiera to establish a 60-51 lead.
Although Bacani sparked another comeback attempt to bring the Stags within four, Abiera answered with a crucial three-pointer before Arellano converted its free throws to secure the victory.
T-Mc Ongotan led the Chiefs with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 4 blocks in his return to form after recovering from an ankle injury. Abiera added 19 points, while King Vinoya contributed 11 points and 8 rebounds.
Bacani paced San Sebastian with 19 points, while Muktimar finished with 16 points and 9 rebounds as the Stags absorbed their 12th consecutive defeat.
The Chiefs improved to a 6-6 record, reclaiming second place in Group B and securing a quarterfinal berth.
JRU Leads Group A After Beating Mapua
JRU and the Mapua Cardinals traded baskets throughout the first three quarters, with neither side able to establish a comfortable advantage. Mapua took a slim 19-15 lead after the opening period before JRU responded to claim a 30-29 advantage at halftime.
The Cardinals continued to challenge the Heavy Bombers in the third quarter, keeping the contest close at 50-all heading into the final period.
However, JRU found another gear in the fourth quarter, with Lawrence Mangubat delivering a crucial four-point play that sparked a decisive scoring run. The Heavy Bombers unleashed a 13-2 surge to establish a 63-52 advantage with just over five minutes remaining.
Mapua attempted to stay within striking distance through Ken Dones and its perimeter shooters, but JRU’s defensive pressure limited the Cardinals to just two field goals in the final quarter. Jhillian Palis further extended the advantage with timely baskets as the Heavy Bombers closed out the 13-point victory.
Mangubat led JRU with 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Palis added 15 points. Sean Salvador contributed 11 points, and Jamir Eligado finished with 10 points and 8 rebounds.
Despite four players scoring 11 points apiece, Mapua could not overcome JRU’s defensive effort.
The Heavy Bombers extended their winning streak and improved to a 9-3 record, securing a quarterfinal berth and taking sole possession of first place in Group A. Meanwhile, the Cardinals suffered their third consecutive defeat, falling to 6-6 and facing the play-in round to keep their playoff hopes alive.
JRU will next face the Benilde Blazers, while Mapua looks to bounce back against the Lyceum Pirates in its final elimination-round assignment.
