Jose Rizal University’s Sean Salvador against Mapua University in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball. Angela Davocol/NCAA Philippines.MANILA — Sean Salvador was the hero as Jose Rizal University escaped Mapua University, 65-64, in a thriller to start its campaign in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball on Monday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Salvador drained the game-winning three-pointer in the dying seconds to finish with nine points, while Lawrence Mangubat delivered the assist alongside his 22 points, seven rebounds, and five steals.
“Expect ko na papahirapan nila ako, so nag-adjust lang ako sa depensa nila, and I told them to put our hearts into it,” said Mangubat, who was an NCAA champion alongside Chris Hubilla during their lone year with Mapua in NCAA Season 100.
Lance Nitura had another chance to steal the victory with a clean look from beyond the arc with 2.9 seconds left, but his shot rimmed out, leaving Salvador, Mangubat, and Hubilla victorious against their former school.
Hubilla was limited to three points before fouling out but still had five rebounds and an assist, while Allan Laurenaria was active on both ends with 11 points and 12 boards.
Meanwhile, the return of Cardinals head coach Chito Victolero to the collegiate ranks was spoiled as Cyrus Nitura missed crucial free throws in crunch time that could have helped Mapua protect its lead.
The elder Nitura led Mapua with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists, while Marc Cuenco added 13 points and four rebounds.
Rookie Lance Nitura, the younger brother of Cyrus, finished with six points, while Jamal Diaz was among Mapua’s bright spots with nine points on 2-of-4 shooting from long range.
The Scores:
JRU 65 — Mangubat 22, Laurenaria 11, Salvador 9, Eligado 5, Garcia 5, Palis 5, Hubilla 3, Masiglat 2, Herrera 1, Agemenyi 0, Lozano 0.
Mapua 64 — M. Nitura 17, Cuenco 13, Diaz 9, Concepcion 6, L. Nitura 6, Lazarte 6, Igliane 5, Razon 2, Reyes 0, Ryan III 0, Liwanag 0.
Quarterscores: JRU 17-16, 33-31, 48-47, 65-64.