MANILA – Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers pulled off a shocker to end their campaign in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball. They took down Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights, 87-71, on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Ry dela Rosa led the way with 22 points, on 8-of-17 shooting from the floor. Marwin Dionisio added 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, and a block.
The Heavy Bombers ended the season with 7-11 win-loss slate. Joshua Guiab chimed in 14 points, eight rebounds, four steals, and an assist as JL Delos Santos and Agem Miranda also contributed double-digits in scoring with 11 markers apiece.
From a slim 21-15 lead after the opening quarter, the Heavy Bombers slowly created separation in the second quarter as they established a 48-38 lead before blasting away in the third quarter at 66-52 behind Dionisio and Miranda.
The Knights managed to trim the deficit at 69-75 off a Brent Paraiso layup with 3:48 left in the contest but the Heavy Bombers widened it anew to as high as 16 points on a three-pointer by Dela Rosa.
King Caralipio top-scored with 15 points to go with nine rebounds. Paraiso got 12 markers, while Fran Yu ended with 10 markers as the Knights dropped to second place with 13-5 record.
With the outcome, the two-time defending champions Knights will enter the Final Four at No. 2 spot with twice-to-beat advantage against the No.3 ranked Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates.
College of St. Benilde Blazers, meanwhile, finished as the No.1 ranked team this season and will also have a twice-to-beat incentive over the no.4 seed San Beda University Red Lions.
Mapua University Cardinals likewise ended their season on a high note following a 75-67 triumph over San Sebastian College Golden Stags in a battle of two already-eliminated teams.
Paolo Hernandez produced 22 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two blocks to lead the Cardinals to a 7-11 finish. Adrian Nocum and Jasper Salenga added 17 and 14 markers, respectively./PN
