Mangubat earns weekly honour as JRU takes Group A top seed
The guard scored a career-high 27 points against College of Saint Benilde as the Heavy Bombers recorded their third consecutive victory.
Lawrence Mangubat won the Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) Player of the Week award for November 3 to 6 after helping Jose Rizal University secure the Group A top seed in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball.
JRU beat Mapúa University 71-58 before defeating College of Saint Benilde 85-79 for its third successive win. The Heavy Bombers are pursuing a twice-to-beat advantage for the quarterfinals while Chris Hubilla remains sidelined with an MCL injury.
Despite a shoulder injury, Mangubat contributed 19 points, six rebounds and two steals against Mapúa. JRU used its fourth-quarter defence to break clear of the Cardinals.
The Heavy Bombers entered the Saint Benilde game level with San Beda University at 9-3 atop Group A. Mangubat then registered a personal-best 27 points and two assists, helping JRU win on back-to-back MVP Allen Liwag’s return for the Blazers.
Mangubat credited the trust of his coaches and teammates, saying he had focused on contributing to the team. JRU head coach Nani Epondulan praised his leadership and attitude, describing their value to teammates ahead of the playoffs.
Mangubat received the weekly award ahead of Dan Marcelo of San Beda, Jacob Shanoda of Emilio Aguinaldo College, Mark Gojo Cruz of University of Perpetual Help and T-Mc Ongotan of Arellano University.
