The JRU Heavy Bombers edged the Mapua Cardinals, 65-64, on Monday’s NCAA Season 102, thanks to sophomore guard Sean Salvador sinking a corner three with just two seconds left in a tight, physical contest. Afterward, Salvador credited his self-trust and extra work for helping him deliver the dagger.
Sean Salvador: Former Mapua Red Robin Steals the Win
Salvador once wore the red and gold of the Mapua Red Robins. On Monday, he haunted the senior team with a fearless shot that sealed the victory.
“Siyempre breaks of the game na rin na yun,” said Salvador at the post-game press conference. “And naniniwala na rin ako kay Lord na nung pinasa sa akin ni [Lawrence] Mangubat sabi ko ‘pina-practice ko to sa practice’ and yun, lagi kaming nag e-extra nito and ‘yun nadadala naman sa loob ng court.”
Salvador finished with 9 points—none bigger than the final three—along with 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 steal in 12 minutes off the bench.
Trusting Himself
Later, Salvador admitted that Lawrence Mangubat, also a former Red Robin, was supposed to take the last shot. But Mapua’s defense collapsed on him, forcing an emergency pass to the corner. With time running out, Salvador was ready.
“Actually ‘yung play talaga kay Mangubat talaga ‘yun pero grabe ‘yung double sa kanya, tatlong tao, apat na tao kaya good assist din kay Mangubat,” Salvador explained. “Pinasa niya dun sa corner sa akin and lang tiwala lang talaga ako sa sarili ko.”
Mangubat had been JRU’s top performer, firing a team-high 22 points, along with 7 rebounds and the game-winning assist to Salvador.
Thanks to the heroics of Mangubat and Salvador, JRU opened its NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball campaign with a rousing win. With expectations high, the Heavy Bombers will need more of those clutch moments in the games ahead.
