Jose Rizal University coach Nani Epondulan downplayed his team’s early wins over league juggernauts Letran and San Beda in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament.
The Heavy Bombers, who beat the Knights in their season-opener last week, stunned the Red Lions, 67-66, on Friday at Mall of Asia Arena-a big bounce-back victory after losing to Emilio Aguinaldo College three days ago. ‘It’s a bit too early to say things now, but what we always talk about is taking games one at a time. Either we win, or we learn,’ Epondulan told the Inquirer.
‘We’ve always wanted to bring back the winning culture in JRU because it’s been a while since we reached the Final Four.’
Allan Laurenaria only scored six points in the win, but he made the most important one with four seconds left, lifting the Bombers to victory.
Sean Salvador and Justin Lozano had 15 and 13 points, respectively, for JRU
The troika of John Sajonia (16), Agjanti Miller (13) and Bismarck Lina (13) combined for 42 points, but not enough to prevent the Lions from dropping their first game after a 2-0 start.