JRU turns back PATTS; TIP stuns MIT

MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal University held PATTS College of Aeronautics to a measly four-point in the first quarter and came away with a runaway 90-63 victory to bolster its bid for a spot in the Elite Eight of the National Collegiate Championship at the Technological Institute of the Philippines gym in Quiapo yesterday.

The Heavy Bombers held the Sea Horses to a single field goal in the first five minutes while scoring almost at will on drives, in the perimeter and in transition plays as they fashioned out the rout in the opener of the Luzon-Metro Manila Qualifying Games of the NCC.

TIP shocked Mapua, 70-64, in the other contest.

“We limited their penetrations and defended well,” said JRU coach Vergel Meneses. “We didn’t relax even after we opened up a big lead.”

Ervin Grospe shot 15 points while Jed Mendoza added 13 markers for the Bombers, who led by a whopping 25-point bulge at the turn.

Mark Velasco and Cymon Reed tried to rally PATTS in the fourth but the Sea Horses could only cut the lead to 15 points as Kim Aurin, Mark Cruz and Mark Dela Virgen took charge with their penetrations.

JRU and PATTS are grouped with fellow UAAP campaigner National U in Group B while TIP, Mapua and St. Clare compose Group B.

The top finisher in Group B will meet South Luzon-Bicol champion Olivarez College and the winner in the single-round contest in Group A will collide with Lyceum Northwestern U (North/Central Luzon champion) with the winners advancing to the Elite Eight unfolding Dec. 14.