Every game now feels like a must-win for the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers — and they played like it.
Fueled by that sense of urgency, the Heavy Bombers pulled off a gritty 69-66 victory over the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre to stay in the thick of the Final Four race in the 101st NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
“Napaka-importante ng bawat panalo sa amin,” said JRU coach Nani Epondulan, whose squad rebounded from a tough 71-85 loss to Letran. “Nung natalo kami sa Letran, pabagsak na kami sa No. 4. Kapag isa pang talo, kulelat na kami — ito ang sinabi ko sa kanila.”
JRU improved to 6-5, holding on to fourth place in Group B, while EAC slid to 4-6.
Leading the charge was Sean Salvador, who fired 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds. He poured in eight points in the final quarter, including two crucial free throws in the last 11 seconds that sealed the win and kept JRU’s hopes alive for a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals.
Kyle Ochavo led EAC with 19 points in the losing effort.
Earlier, the Arellano Chiefs leaned on the late-game heroics of Tmac Ongotan to turn back the San Sebastian Stags, 78-71, and keep their own postseason hopes alive.
Ongotan exploded for 25 points, eight coming in the final frame, as the Chiefs climbed to 4-6, good for third place in Group A — just a step behind defending champion Mapua Cardinals (5-5).
With San Sebastian mounting a late rally, Ongotan calmly sank three free throws in the final two seconds to secure the victory.
“I told the guys to grab every opportunity to win,” said Chiefs coach Chico Manabat. “We need to make every possession count at this stage.”
In the juniors’ division, Angelo Aninipot sank a layup with three seconds left to lift the San Sebastian Staglets past the Arellano Braves, 81-79, while Jhon Ynot and Mark Esperanza chipped in 19 and 15 points, respectively, as the Staglets improved to 3-8.
Meanwhile, MJ Estocapio scored 14 points to power the JRU Light Bombers to a 56-47 win over the EAC Brigadiers. Despite the loss, the Brigadiers — behind Kelly Coronel’s 18-point effort — remained on top of Group B at 7-2.
