JOSE Rizal University (JRU) bucked a slow start and held off every attempt by Letran to rally to score a 77-68 victory in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 93 seniors basketball tournament on Thursday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The Bombers were out of sync in the first period but managed to get chemistry rolling after that to streak to their seventh win in 11 games while sending the Knights to their sixth loss also in 11 outings.
“It’s a testament of our character especially coming off a heartbreaking loss to Arellano University [109-115 double overtime]. This bounce back win is very important,” JRU Head Coach Vergel Meneses said.
The Bombers got 15 points each from Teytey Teodoro and Ervin Grospe, who also brabbed four rebounds and issued four assists.
JRU found Letran a tough customer in the first quarter as the Bombers were held to a 12-12 tie until a 24-15 exchange in the second period gave the Mandaluyong school the driver’s seat.
JRU built a 36-27 advantage at halftime and posted its biggest lead at 64-48 on MJ Dela Virgen’s lay-up in the 7:34 mark of the third period.
“We’re winning because of our defense. We won’t outscore other teams. Defense is our main weapon,” Meneses said.
JP Calvo scored 21 points and Rey Nambatac had 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists while Bong Quinto had a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds for Letran, which has lost all its last three games.
In juniors action, Kurt Reyson shot 20 points in a reserve role as Letran bested JRU, 91-87, for its seventh win in 11 matches.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza