JRU inflicts another bitter loss on Benilde

MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal University blew a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter of regulation but made key plays in the overtime to turn back a hard-luck St. Benilde side, 73-71, and get back on track in the 89th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

After blowing double-digit leads in regulation, the Bombers went to Cris Jordan dela Paz, who scored five of his team’s last six points in extra period, including a clutch free throw that gave them their second win against the same number of losses for a share of fifth with the San Sebastian Stags.

The Bombers looked headed to a cruise after Schever Benavides scored that made it 61-47 with a little over seven minutes to go.

But the Blazers fought their way back by shutting down the Bombers while unloading a 14-0 blitz capped by a three-point play by Roberto Bartolo Jr. that forced overtime at 61.

The Kalentong-based squad, however, imposed its will in overtime with Dela Paz coming away with a five-point explosion to anchor the victory.

John Pontejos, who scored the other free throw in OT, and Philip Paniamgon finished with 17 points apiece.

In the nightcap, Arellano U drew strength from a career 18-point effort by Fil-Am rookie Zach Nicholls as it turned back Mapua, 65-59, to improve to 2-2.

The Atoy Co-mentored Cardinals fell to 1-3.