Pontejos saves JRU from Go for Gold upset bid

Pontejos drilled in a layup with seven seconds left as the Heavy Bombers spoiled TY Tang’s playing comeback and dealt the Scratchers a heartbreaking defeat. (Photo: Jose Rizal University/Facebook)

MANILA— Paolo Pontejos scored the marginal basket as the Jose Rizal University survived a hot game from Go for Gold-College of Saint Benilde and won, 104-103, in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup match at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday.

Pontejos drilled in a layup with seven seconds left as the Heavy Bombers spoiled TY Tang’s playing comeback and dealt the Scratchers a heartbreaking defeat.

Tang, who was designated as playing assistant coach with Charles Tiu doing the head coaching chores for now, had given Go for Gold-CSB the lead, 103-102, with two free throws, his only points of the day, with 16 seconds to go.

But Pontejos found some space inside the paint and made the eventual game-winner in the next play.

Tang still tried to save the Scratchers’ cause, but his three-pointer rimmed out as time expired.

MJ Dela Virgen fired 28 points on 11-of-14 shooting with three rebounds, five assists, and two steals for the Bombers.

Pontejos also had three boards, five dimes, and two interceptions while contributing 20 markers.

Justing Gutang’s 26 point-blast and Matt Salem’s 25-point explosion went for naught as the Scratchers, despite shooting 65 percent from the field, committed 34 turnovers with JJay Alejandro making 10 errors and Clement Letucheu incurring six.

Box Scores:

JRU 104 — Dela Virgen 28, Pontejos 20, Apinan 16, Esguerra 11, Mendoza 11, Tayongtong 11, Grospe 3, Yu 3, Mvogo 1, De Guzman 0

Go for Gold 103 — Gutang 26, Salem 25, Dixon 11, Naboa 11, Leutcheu 8, Gaco 7, Alejandro 6, Young 5, Domingo 2, Tang 2, San Juan 0