JRU ends long skid, defeats AMA

JRU logo (Photo: José Rizal University/Facebook)

MANILA — The JRU Heavy Bombers’ long losing streak is over.

The Heavy Bombers finally got a win after a string of eight consecutive losses, beating the AMA Titans, 98-87, in a battle of also-ran squads in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Monday.

JRU actually withstood a late AMA run as the latter cut what was once a 20-point lead by the former down to just seven, 81-74, with 7:19 to go.

However, Paolo Pontejos delivered the key plays for the Heavy Bombers, firing seven points from thereon to help them seal the win.

“Lumalaban lang kami every game at sabi ko nga sa kanila, pag may chance manalo, grab lang natin,” said Coach Gio Lasquety.

Pontejos finished with 17 points along with Jeckster Apinan and Ervin Grospe to backstop Kris Porter’s 21-point output.

Robbie Manalang and Carlo Escalambre, who led the Titans’ final charge, made 26 and 21 markers respectively.

Box Scores:

JRU 98 — Porter 21, Apinan 17, Grospe 17, Pontejos 17, Yu 8, Mendoza 7, De Guzman 6, Dela Virgen 2, Silvarez 2, Esguerra 1, Bordon 0, Sawat 0.

AMA 87 — Manalang 26, C. Escalambre 21, Martinez 16, Andaya 7, Garcia 6, Paras 6, Lao 5, Antonares 0, Quijano 0, Taganas 0.

Quarters: 28-13, 53-35, 77-66, 98-87.