MANILA, Philippines - Tey Teodoro took charge in the clutch as Jose Rizal U shocked reigning UAAP champion La Salle, 85-81, in yesterday’s start of the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
Teodoro poured five of his team-best 17 points in the stretch, helping the Bombers fend off the heavily-favored Archers’ furious fightback to steal the win.
Lyceum of the Phl U matched JRU’s big start as the Pirates stunned the Ateneo Eagles, 90-89, in the other match.
In a match that was close throughout, the Bombers trailed by one heading to the final 10 minutes but seized control by nine as Teodoro hit a triple and scored on a layup.
The Archers fought back and pulled to within two, 79-81, on a basket by Aljun Melecio with 2.23 minutes to go. But the Bombers made crucial stops and Gio Lasquety and Mark dela Virgen canned in a free throw each in the closing seconds to frustrate the Archers.
JRU’s upset also negated Cameroonian Ben Mbala’s 22-point and 16-rebound effort, both game-highs, for La Salle, which also drew a combined 30-point output from Melecio and Ricci Rivero.
The scores:
First Game
JRU 85 – Teodoro 17, Mendoza 15, Estrella 11, Dela Virgen 10, Grospe 8, Lasquety 7, Abdulwahab 6, Poutouchi 4, Sawat 4, Bordon 3, Mate 0.
DLSU 81 – Mbala 22, Melecio 17, R. Rivero 13, Tratter 9, P. Rivero 7, Montalbo 5, Caracut 2, Capacio 2, Santillan 2, Go 2, Gonzales 0.
Quarterscores: 21-17, 42-42 63-62, 85-81