NCAA: JRU claims slim win over Lyceum for solo lead in Group A

MANILA — Jose Rizal University averted a late collapse in a slim 81-78 win over Lyceum in Group A of the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday at the San Juan Arena.

The result gave the Heavy Bombers an 8-3 record, lifting them to the top of the group.

But they got it done the hard way, after nearly squandering a 79-75 lead with 1:23 to play. An and-1 by Matthew Rubico put the Pirates within one, 79-78, with 16 seconds to go.

Lawrence Mangubat knocked down two free throws in their next possession to peg the final score with 9.2 seconds left. 

Lyceum still had time, but three-pointers by Lance Aurigue and Renz Villegas were off the mark.

The Pirates dropped to 4-6 in the tournament.

Sanlea Peñaverde spearheaded the Bombers to the win with 22 points, five assists, four steals and three rebounds.

“‘Di naman sila (Lyceum) basta basta sumusuko, last season muntik pa sila mag-Final Four. Kapag pinapanood ko sila, malakas talaga at iba talaga ‘yong laro nila,” said Peñaverde.

Sean Salvador and Mangubat turned in 16 and 12 markers, respectively, while Ivan Panapanaan registered a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds in the win.

Villegas’ all-around game of 20 points, eight boards and six assists went down the drain for Lyceum. Jonathan Daileg and Rubico scored 15 and 12 to their names in the defeat.

JRU 81 – Penaverde 22, Salvador 16, Mangubat 12, Panapanaan 10, Eligado 6, Agemenyi 6, Laurenaria 4, Herrera 3, Garcia 2, Palis 0, Masiglat 0, Duque 0, Bagro 0

LPU 78 – Villegas 20, Daileg 15, Rubico 12, Aurigue 10, Matienzo 9, Guadana 7, Fuentes 5, Manuel 0, Penafiel 0, Almario 0, Caduyac 0, Nocum 0, Pallingayan 0, Gordon 0, Cardinas 0

Quarter scores: 24-13, 46-42, 63-56, 81-78