Marco Paulo Fajardo scored 26 points, including a 4-of-6 shooting from beyond the three-point territory, as the Heavy Bombers ended their first-round campaign with a 4-3 card and solidified their grip of the fourth spot in the team standings.
"At least kalahati ng aming mission na-accomplish na. Kailangan lang ma-sustain ang ganitong laro papunta sa second round," said Jose Rizal coach Boy de Vera, who lost six players from last year’s runner-up team, including the high-scoring Nani Epondulan and bullstrong Ariel Capus.
In the first game, Mapua improved its record to 3-4 as it snapped a two-game skid by beating San Beda, 84-68. The Red Lions remained winless in seven games.
With the game tied at 59 entering the final quarter, the Bombers dropped a telling 20-9 bomb, highlighted by four three-pointers courtesy of Fajardo, wingman Winsjohn Te and Joel Villarin that gave them their biggest lead at 79-68 with 2:59 to play.
Though the Altas, behind Marcel Cuenco, scored seven straight points to cut the deficit to just four, 75-79, with 44 seconds remaining, Joel Finuliar made sure the Heavy Bombers got the win with his near-perfect 5-of-6 shooting from the foul line.
Rookie guard Edward Attunaga, who was the hero in JRU’s 100-96 overtime win against Letran, came up with 16 points, while Te added 14.
Cuenco’s 22 points led Perpetual, which fell to 1-6, with Dominador Javier and Rommel Balboa adding 12 and 10, respectively.
The Cardinals, who led by as many as 24 points in the fourth quarter, had four players scoring in double figures. Jeoferson Gonzales had 15 while Edcel Feliciano, Erwin Sta. Maria and Robbie David added 13, 12 and 10, respectively.