The JRU Heavy Bombers survived a furious comeback from the Benilde Blazers to escape with a 73‑69 victory in the NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
JRU Builds Double‑Digit Lead
The game started evenly, with both teams locked at 16‑all after the opening quarter. JRU gradually gained control in the second period, taking a 38‑33 advantage into halftime.
The Heavy Bombers then created their biggest cushion midway through the third quarter when Chris Hubilla converted a jumper to put JRU ahead, 52‑36.
Benilde refused to fold, however, closing the period with a 14‑6 run to cut the deficit to 58‑50 heading into the fourth.
Benilde Launches Comeback
The Blazers carried their momentum into the final period and eventually turned the game into a tight battle.
Benilde unleashed a 7‑0 burst with 6:24 remaining to move within three, 62‑59. Jhomel Ancheta followed with a three‑pointer to make it a one‑point game before Justine Sanchez answered with a putback after Allen Laurenaria briefly stopped the rally with two free throws.
Ancheta then gave Benilde its first lead of the second half with a jumper, putting the Blazers ahead, 66‑65, with 2:09 remaining.
Lawrence Mangubat, Chris Hubilla Seal JRU Victory
JRU quickly responded as Hubilla converted two free throws to regain the lead. Lawrence Mangubat then delivered the biggest shot of the night, knocking down a three‑pointer off a Laurenaria assist to give the Heavy Bombers a 70‑66 cushion with just over a minute left.
Sanchez answered with a triple at the 45.8‑second mark to cut the deficit to 70‑69, but Benilde could not complete the comeback.
After JRU committed a late turnover, Hubilla stopped Ancheta’s fastbreak attempt, while Laurenaria grabbed a crucial offensive rebound after Mangubat split his initial free throws. Mangubat then returned to the line and converted two more attempts to secure the 73‑69 victory.
Mangubat led JRU with 20 points and 9 rebounds, while Hubilla added 12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 2 assists. Jalen Garcia contributed 11 points, while Sean Salvador chipped in 10.
For Benilde, Sanchez finished with 20 points and 9 rebounds, while Ancheta and SJ Moore each scored 18 points.
Composure, Defense Were Crucial
After the game, Hubilla credited JRU’s composure and defensive discipline for surviving Benilde’s rally.
“Lagi namang inaa‑advice sa amin na mag‑stick together lang kami sa sistemang tinatakbo namin,” Hubilla said in the post‑game interview.
“‘Wag lang kami bibitaw kasi no’ng mga talo namin sa offseason, sa fourth quarter kami nawawala. Nag‑stick lang kami sa depensa at di kami bumitaw hanggang dulo,” he added.
