Jose Rizal University watched Lawrence Mangubat struggle against Arellano all game long in their NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament showdown.
That, however, didn’t stop coach Nani Epondulan from putting the ball in his hands when the team needed something to happen.
Despite a cold shooting afternoon, Mangubat was entrusted by the Heavy Bombers to take the lead in the clutch for a 64-62 squeaker over the Chiefs at San Juan Arena on Tuesday.
‘I challenged Mangubat. I told him, no matter how good their defense is, you’re [better],’ said Epondulan of Mangubat, who finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, three steals and two assists.
‘That’s why he’s here [in the NCAA]. This is where the saying ‘good defense, better offense’ comes in.’
Mangubat went just 5-for-23 from the field but buried arguably JRU’s biggest shot of the game as the Heavy Bombers improved to 4-1.
After trailing by as many as 14, JRU pulled within four, 62-58, before Mangubat drilled a 3-pointer from the right corner to cut the deficit to 62-61 with 19 seconds remaining.
Sean Salvador then calmly sank a pair of go-ahead free throws in the closing seconds to complete JRU’s comeback and send the Chiefs to 3-2.
Chris Hubilla also had 14 points, five rebounds, a steal and a block for the Heavy Bombers.