Carlo Lituania scattered 13 of his game-high 23 points in the pivotal third quarter where the Light Bombers outscored their rivals, 35-13, to seize control before hanging tough in the stretch to fashion out the victory, that brought to mind their best outing in the league 25 years ago.
"This was unexpected and rare," said Jose Rizal coach Boy de Vera in Filipino. "It’s a nice feeling winning over a strong team like San Beda."
It was indeed a heavy third quarter assault by the Light Bombers, who appeared headed for another lackluster debut after scoring only four points in the first quarter as against San Beda’s 16.
The Red Cubs, one of the country’s top high school teams with a total of 16 NCAA crowns, still sat on a 34-28 cushion at the turn but uncharacteristically crumbled in the face of the Light Bombers spirited charge in the third period.
In the other game, San Sebastian downed Perpetual Help, 86-73, to open its title-retention bid.
It was an inspiring win for the Light Bombers, who last won the junior title in 1977 and made big strides last year by winning five of their 14 games, including a 3-1 (win-loss) start last season.
It also somehow made up for the embarrassing 51-81 loss by the Heavy Bombers to the Red Lions in Saturday’s opener at the Big Dome.
In the third game, the Letran Squires trounced the St. Benilde Greenies, 79-69.