Jeckster Apinan turned in a double-double performance to power Jose Rizal U past Arellano U, 79-69, in the 87th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
Apinan took over and fired 15 points while grabbing 10 rebounds for the Bombers, who kept their slim Final Four hopes alive with a 4-9 slate.
Rookie Byron Villarias and Raycon Kabigting also stepped up and scored 13 points apiece for JRU, which struggled in the first two quarters before pouring on the heat in the second half.
The Bombers broke loose from a two-point game at the break and went on to post the win while dealing the Chiefs their 10th defeat against four wins.
Adrian Celada led Arellano with a game-high 19 points.
Jose Rizal is chasing Mapua (6-6), St. Benilde (5-8) and Lyceum (5-8) for the last seat in the semifinals. – Joey Villar