The Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers played with smiles on their faces, refusing to end their season without a big fight and scoring a big win on Wednesday in the 98th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil-EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
They ended their campaign with pride and gladness in their hearts, with Ry de la Rosa leading with 22 points for the Heavy Bombers, who pulled off an 87-71, clobbering the defending champion Letran Knights.
Marwin Dionisio added 16 points to the Heavy Bombers who went on to have a finish better than last year, in a four-way tie from sixth to ninth places with their 7-11 win-loss record with the Arellano Chiefs, University of Perpetual Help Altas and the Mapua Cardinals.
JRU coach Louie Gonzales said the team’s mood was upbeat during the game, as he asked to just play their game with less pressure.
“First time namin na ginawa ito. When we started our game with smiles. So, nagulat din sila, dahil gusto ko rin ma-relieve ang pressure sa kanila. I know, its been tough for them,” said Gonzales.
With the Knights’ loss, the College of St. Benilde Blazers took the top seeding in the Final Four semifinals with their 14-4 win-loss record, while the Knights settled for the second seeding with their 13-5 slate.
The Blazers will now take on the fourth seed San Beda Red Lions in the Final Four, which is set on Nov. 29, while Letran, which still wields a twice-to-beat advantage with CSB, will clash with the third seed Lyceum Pirates.
The Letran Knights are now on to their fourth consecutive Final Four, while the Blazers are their first Final Four in 20 years.
King Carilipio and Brent Paraiso showed the way with 15 and 12 points for the Knights, who trailed by 14 points at the end of the third, 52-66.
Paolo Hernandez knocked 22 points, including four charities in the last two minutes to push the Mapua University Cardinals to a 75-65 triumph over the San Sebastian Stags.
The Cardinals ended their season with seven wins and 11 losses.
NCAA Season 98 Seniors Basketball Tournament on a high note after beating San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 75-67, on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Hernandez produced 22 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two blocks to lead the Cardinals to a 7-11 finish after 18 games of elimination, tied with Arellano and Perpetual.
The Stags, on the other hand, ended their campaign with an 8-10 win-loss record at the eighth spot in the standings and bowing to the Knights in the finals last year.