MANILA, Philippines — Jose Rizal University escaped Mapua University, 65-64, to capture its first win in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Monday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Thanks to Sean Salvador’s clutch three-pointer.
With 1:14 remaining in the game, Marcus Nitura scored a layup followed by Jamal Diaz’s triple to build a five-point lead for Mapua, 64-59. Heavy Bombers forward Jay Garupil quickly responded with a jumper to pull JRU within three, 64-61.
Mapua struggled to execute down the stretch. A foul by Sam Concepcion sent Lawrence Mangubat to the line, where he split his free throws to trim the margin to 64-62. Nitura then had an opportunity to push the Cardinals' lead back up, but missed both crucial free throws.
With 18 seconds remaining, Mangubat found Salvador in the corner, and the shooter buried the game-winning triple to seal the 65-64 comeback victory.
Mangubat spearheaded JRU's attack with a team-high 22 points alongside seven rebounds and five steals. Salvador finished with nine points on 3-of-8 shooting, with his sole three-pointer serving as the game-winner.
Nitura led Mapua with 17 points, while Cyrus Cuenco chipped in 13.
