Bombers blast Stags, force ‘rubber’

Ernani Epondulan struck like a guided missile yesterday as Jose Rizal University outplayed San Sebastian, 95-81, to send the best-of-three title series for the NCAA men’s crown to the limit before a wildly-cheering crowd at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Held to a measly 16 points in the series opener won by the Stags last Thursday, 77-74, Epondulan was all over the court this time, firing 26 points, plucking important rebounds and stealing the ball four times as the Heavy Bombers tied the series at 1-1.

Epondulan, this year’s Most Valuable Player, was at his best midway in the second quarter where he took matters into his own hands as teammates Rendell dela Rea and Ariel Capus, also on their final year in the NCAA, couldn’t get going.

"I just told my players to play their usual game," said JRU coach Boy de Vera, out to give the Heavy Bombers their first NCAA title since 1972 when he himself helped a team led by Philip Cezar win the coveted crown.

"We also got the needed support from the bench," added De Vera.

The winner-take-all match is scheduled Tuesday with supporters from both squads expected to come in full force.

With Epondulan burning the hoops, the Heavy Bombers padded a 47-35 halftime lead to 54-38. But the Stags, who won five straight titles from 1993 to 1997, mounted a serious comeback in their bid to wrap up the series.

But all they could do was narrow the gap to within 61-54 courtesy of Christian Coronel’s triple as Epondulan and company managed to hold their ground.

In the juniors division, San Beda also forged a decisive third game by stopping Letran, 80-70. The Squires took Game One, 74-69.