JRU seeks first NCAA Final Four berth since 2017 against Arellano
The Heavy Bombers have a twice-to-beat advantage, while the Chiefs enter the quarterfinals after losing four of their last five games.
Jose Rizal University needs one victory over Arellano University to reach the NCAA Season 102 semifinals, with their quarterfinal meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Filoil Centre. JRU holds a twice-to-beat advantage and will seek to settle the contest at the first opportunity.
The Heavy Bombers have not reached the Final Four since Season 93 in 2017. Head coach Nani Epondulan said he had stressed the game's importance to his players, telling them their school had long been forgotten.
JRU opened its campaign with six victories in seven games and finished the elimination round with three successive wins to earn its quarterfinal advantage. Its contributors have included Lawrence Mangubat, Sean Salvador, Allan Laurenaria, Jamhir Eligado, Jhillia Palis, Ivan Panapanaan and Chris Hubilla, who is injured.
Arellano has beaten both Letran and San Beda this season, with T-Mc Ongotan among its key players alongside Basti Valencia, Renzo Abiera, King Vinoya and Ernest Geronimo. But four defeats in its final five games left the Chiefs without a twice-to-beat cushion.
