MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal University downed Investwell, 97-91, to gain a share of the lead with University of Santo Tomas-Ironcon Builders in the MBL Invitational basketball tournament at the JRU gym at Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City recently.
The Heavy Bombers, handled by former PBA star Vergel Meneses, relied on Phillip Paniamogan and John Derico Lopez to turn back the tough-defending Investwell side and notch their fourth straight win in the 10-team tournament.
Paniamogan fired 19 points, while Lopez added 17 markers for the Heavy Bombers who are backed by JRU athletic director Paul Supan and the JRU alumni community, led by Cora Rodrigo.
Romnick Mendoza and Ronnel Carampil contributed 12 points apiece and Jordan De la Paz added 10 points for the Mandaluyong-based squad.
Former Central College of the Philippines stand-out Mark Pangilinan showed the way for Investwell with 25 points, followed by Paul Alguno with 13 points, Floyd Dedicatoria with 12 points and Ram Macasaet with 10 points.
The loss was Investwell’s seconds straight after sweeping its first two matches in the tournament backed by Smart Sports, Cebuana Lhuillier, Dickies Underwear, Parola Maritime and PRC Couriers.
JRU took charge early behind Paniamogan, Mendoza and Ivan Camasura but Investwell fought back in the third period, outscoring JRU and cutting the deficit to only four, 69-73, heading to the final quarter.
Pangilinan then stepped up as Investwell tied the count at 80 but the Heavy Bombers toughened up on defense to regain control en route to victory.