Bombers fuel win run, thwart Pirates

MANILA, Philippines - Tey Teodoro exploded with a career-tying 32 points as surging Jose Rizal U weathered Lyceum’s tough stand and hacked out a 64-55 decision to move to joint third with a skidding Perpetual Help side in the 91st NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

The win was the Bombers’ fifth straight for an 11-6 card as they sustained their charge from sixth to gain a share of third with the Altas, who earlier dropped an 87-91 setback to the also-ran San Sebastian College Stags.

San Beda and Letran share the lead at 12-4 while Arellano U and Mapua are in joint fifth at 10-6, setting the stage for one of the fiercest Final Four races in league history.

“I’m confident he’ll get his groove back anytime and I’m glad it came today (yesterday),” said Jose Rizal coach Vergel Meneses of Teodoro, who has struggled in the last few games.

But his 32-point burst matched his scoring output in a 90-87 win over Mapua in the first round last Aug. 11 where he rallied JRU from 18 points down to pound out the victory and bolstered the Bombers’ semifinal bid.

“I thought we’re out of it,” said Meneses of JRU’s semis chances last month where they dropped to sixth with close losses. “But our fate is now in our hands and we’re getting there.”

Earlier, Jon Ortuoste shot a game-best 27 points while Bradwyn Guinto outworked and outran his bigger, taller African foes and finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds as the Stags snared their sixth win against 11 defeats.

“Though we’re already out of it, I kept reminding my players to play with pride. And I’m proud of my boys at how this turned out,” said San Sebastian coach Rodney Santos.

Scottie Thompson registered his eighth triple-double of the season with 15 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists but the reigning MVP failed to take charge when the Altas needed him most.

Spearheaded by the bullstrong Guinto, the Stags outplayed the Altas on both ends of the court.

San Sebastian held Perpetual Help to a disastrous 38-of-99 shooting clip while making 35 of 66 shots of their own. The Stags also played more aggressive as they drew fouls on driving plays, resulting to 25 free throw opportunities and making 18 of it.

The Altas had only six trips on the line, making just four.

Worse, Perpetual misfired from beyond the arc, finishing with a nightmarish seven-of-36.

In juniors’ action, Lyceum of the Philippines U slammed Jose Rizal, 87-63, to fuel its Final Four hopes with an 11-6 mark.

The Altalettes turned back the Staglets, 60-55, to post its first win of the season after 10 defeats.