Mangubat scores career-best 27 as JRU earns quarterfinal advantage
JRU beat Benilde 85-79 to secure a twice-to-beat edge, despite the return of back-to-back MVP Allen Liwag from injury.
Lawrence Mangubat scored 27 points as Jose Rizal University beat De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde 85-79 on November 6, securing a twice-to-beat quarterfinal advantage in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball. The game was played at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
The Heavy Bombers completed their group-stage schedule at 10-3, while the Blazers slipped to 8-4. Benilde welcomed back Allen Liwag after a foot injury kept the back-to-back MVP out for 11 games. He finished with six points.
Benilde led 23-20 after the opening quarter, but JRU went into halftime ahead 45-39. The Heavy Bombers extended their lead to 65-52 with 2:28 remaining in the third period and entered the final quarter up 69-59.
Late baskets from Mo Morales and Ian Torres helped Benilde threaten a comeback. Torres hit two three-pointers down the stretch, but Mangubat responded with a basket and converted four late free throws to keep JRU ahead.
Mangubat’s career-best tally included three three-pointers, while Sean Salvador and Jamhir Eligado each contributed 16 points. Morales paced Benilde with 16, followed by Justine Sanchez with 13. JRU will face a Group B opponent in the quarterfinals; Benilde has San Beda University remaining on its group-stage schedule.
