Bombers shackle Generals in OT

MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal put up a pressing full-court defense in a big rally late in regulation and swept past a tough Emilio Aguinaldo side in overtime for a 74-70 victory to grab a share of third place with Mapua in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

Trailing by eight points with less than four minutes left in regulation, the Bombers came roaring back to force the extra period and then dominated the extra period to nail their fifth win in seven outings and a share of No. 3 with the Cardinals.

“If not for our pressure full court defense late in the game, the result would have been different,” said Jose Rizal coach Vergel Meneses.

Reycon Kabigting unloaded 14 points including a pair of foul shots and a crucial triple in overtime before fouling out while Alex Almario and Marvin Hayes chipped in 10 apiece to help seal the win.

Down at 47-55 with 3.39 minutes remaining in regulation, the Bombers worked behind their full-court defense to ignite a 10-0 blitz and snare a 57-55 lead but couldn’t score from there until Neil Tuazon sank a jumper that forced extra time.

Jose Rizal then needed a big start in overtime to survive another late charge by EAC and escape with a win.

The Generals fell to their fifth defeat against two triumphs.

Earlier, Arellano U relied on its efficient offensive game as it repulsed a skidding Letran, 78-76.

Hefty Jerald Lapuz, a rookie transferee from ACSAT, unleashed a career-high 29 points he spiked with 10 rebounds while John Tayongtong fired nine of his 13 points in the fourth quarter on top of seven caroms, four steals and three assists.

Arellano standout Adrian Celada had his usual numbers with 15 points, nine boards, six assists and two blocks as the Chiefs finished the first round with a 3-5 (win-loss) card.

It was, however, the Chiefs efficient shot selection that spelled the difference as they attempted only 46 shots but made 26 for an impressive 57-percent shooting clip.

“I told my players that even if we attempt only one shot per possession, it should always be the best shot,” said Arellano U coach Leo Isaac.

The Knights fell to their fifth setback against two wins.

Meanwhile, the Management Committee announced they would be selling separate tickets for the games pitting defending champion San Sebastian and last year’s runner-up San Beda and Jose Rizal and Mapua on Aug. 18 also at The Arena.

The Jose Rizal-Mapua duel will start at 8:30 a.m. for the juniors and 10 a.m. for the seniors’ team while San Sebastian and San Beda will collide at 2 p.m. for the high school and 4 p.m. for the college squad.

Mancom chair Frank Gusi said this was done to accommodate an influx of fans expected to pack The Arena since the Stags and the Lions are currently unbeaten in seven starts.

In juniors’ action, Letran walloped Arellano U, 79-67, and Jose Rizal dumped EAC, 77-67, to boost their stocks.

Mark Cruz fired 27 points as the Squires nailed their fourth straight win against three losses while Cris dela Paz likewise claimed 27 to propel the Light Bombers to their fifth win in seven outings for joint second with the idle Perpetual Help Altalettes.