Jose Rizal University overpowered San Sebastian College, 59-46, Wednesday to stay Final Four hunt in NCAA Season 101 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
Sean Salvador erupted for a game-best 22 points as the Bombers claimed their third win in five starts, or just half a game behind Group B co-leaders San Beda and St. Benilde, both totting 3-1 cards.
JRU coach Nani Epolundan later said it was all about hustle.
‘I just kept reiterating to my players that since we’re smaller than them, we shouldn’t be outhustled,’ said Epondulan. ‘If there’s anyone who should be hungrier, it should be us.’
Truly, JRU craves to redeem itself this season after a forgettable performance last year when they finished 10th and dead last.
The Stags fell to 1-4.
In the other game, Letran threw the defensive gauntlet on University of Perpetual Help and hammered out a 63-56 win.
It was the second win a row for the Knights after disappointingly starting the season with three straight defeats.
Jimboy Estrada erupted for 23 points but it was Letran’s defense that stymied UPHSD’s bid to stay unbeaten.
The Altas stumbled to their first loss after four consecutive triumphs.
The scores:
First Game
JRU 59 – Salvador 22, Lozano 11, Duque 8, Laurenaria 7, Panapanaan 5, Garupil 2, Sarmiento 2, Benitez 2, Peñaverde 0, Castillo 0, Herrera 0.
SSC-R 46 – Dela Rama 9, Castor 8, Ricio 8, Cuajao 6, Gabat 4, Nepacena 4, Dimaunahan 4, Velasco 2, Cruz 1, Gomez De Liaño 0, Cabilla 0.
Quarterscores: 8-16; 25-23; 44-32; 59-46
Second Game
Letran 63 – Estrada 23, Cuajao 16, Omega 5, Manalili 4, Santos 4, Gammad 4, Tapenio 3, Buensalida 2, Rosilio 2, Gazzingan 0.
UPHSD 56 – Sleat 16, Gojo Cruz 10, Abis 9, Orgo 6, Casinilio 6, Nuñez 5, Boral 2, Duremdes 2, Tulabut 0, Alcantara 0, Maglupay 0, Pagulayan 0.
Quarterscores: 18-10; 32-20; 50-45; 63-56