NCAA: Laurenaria’s heroics power Jose Rizal U past Perpetual Help in OT

Jose Rizal University’s Allan Laurenaria against University of Perpetual Help in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball. Angela Davocol/NCAA Philippines.MANILA — Allan Laurenaria emerged as Jose Rizal University’s hero as they escaped University of Perpetual Help in overtime, 72-70, in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball on Tuesday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.

Laurenaria sank the game-winning basket with 1.5 seconds remaining and also assisted on Chris Hubilla’s crucial basket late in regulation that forced overtime before finishing with 20 points, six rebounds, four steals, and three assists.

“Credit to the boys, talagang hindi sila bumitaw,” said head coach Nani Epondulan as the Heavy Bombers erased a seven-point deficit in the final two minutes to secure their league-best seventh win in nine outings.

Hubilla also delivered with 15 points, 17 rebounds, and two assists as JRU leaned on its collective effort to make up for an off night from the injured Lawrence Mangubat, who was held to five points on 2-of-14 shooting as he dealt with shoulder concerns.

The Altas had opportunities to steal the victory in both regulation and overtime, but LA Casinillo and Mark Gojo Cruz missed their respective attempts at the buzzer.

Angelo Geslano paced Perpetual with 18 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, while Casinillo added 12 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, but their efforts went for naught as the Altas absorbed their sixth straight defeat and seventh loss in nine games.

JRU 72 — Laurenaria 20, Hubilla 15, Duque 9, Salvador 7, Penaverde 7, Eligado 6, Mangubat 5, Garupil 2, Bagro 1, Garcia 0, Panapanaan 0, Masiglat 0, Palis 0.

Perpetual 70 — Gelsano 18, Borja 16, Casinillo 12, Tulabut 7, Cruz 6, Maglupay 5, Corpuz 3, Durmedes 2, Orgo 1.

Quarterscores: 17-21, 31-32, 47-47, 65-65, 72-70 (OT).