JRU Bombers blast Knights

MANILA, Philippines – Jose Rizal U made one big run in the fourth quarter and turned what had been a close contest into a rout as it romped off to a 71-53 victory over Letran in the Filoil-Flying V Pre-Season Cup at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

John Wilson poured in nine of his game-high 20 points in the last period, including a triple, as the Bombers finally put away the Knights, who hounded them in the first three quarters but faltered in the face of the Mandaluyong-based squad’s fiery windup.

Arvin Hayes added 18 points for JRU, which also clamped down on defense in the fourth quarter, forcing the Bombers to a series of turnovers and forced shots.

“The key to our win was our defense after we switched to a press in the fourth and it worked,” said JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia.

JRU scored six of its last eight points on free throws courtesy of Wilson and JR Bulangis as Letran went on a fouling spree in the last three minutes.

The Knights only trailed by three points at the end of the third but was outgunned by the Bombers on the fourth, struggling with only 10 points compared to the Bombers’ 25.

Earlier, Adamson rolled past University of Perpetual Help as it fashioned out an easy 81-57 victory to notch its third victory in four games.

Austin Manyara came through with 12 points, while Alex Nuyles and Jerick Canada combined for 20 points.

Adamson held a commanding lead over Perpetual Help majority of the contest and led by as many as 30 points in the 5:42 mark of the last period. – With report from contributor Celest Flores