Teodoro lifts JRU to stun Mapua with late-game rally

MANILA, Philippines – Even though Jose Rizal University was down by 18 points approaching the ballgame’s last two minutes, Bernabe Teodoro powered the Heavy Bombers’ down-the-stretch rally to author a 90-87 win over Mapua Institute of Technology on Tuesday, August 11, at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Teodoro, a sophomore guard for the Vergel Meneses-mentored brigade, registered 18 of his career-high 32 points in the fourth quarter, spearheading JRU’s come-from-behind victory to improve the team’s record to 5-3 in the ongoing NCAA Season 91 men’s senior basketball tourney.

Mapua had an incredible 30-point third quarter output that gave the Cardinals a huge 84-66 lead with 3:43 left.

With 1:25 remaining in the fourth period and the Heavy Bombers still trailing by 11, the furious comeback was started by Teodoro’s back-to-back three-pointers before Paolo Pontejos followed suit with his own triple to cut the deficit to three points, 84-87.

Teodoro stole the ball and placed JRU within striking distance with a possible 3-point play.

After missing the bonus freethrow with 8.1 seconds left, Teodoro was able to regain the ball and nailed a go-ahead layup to give JRU an 88-87 advantage.

Justin Serrano tried to save Mapua from bowing down to the Kalentong-based troop with an off-the-glass three.

Mapua falls to 4-4 despite an outstanding performance by Allwell Oraeme, who mustered 25 markers and 19 boards.

Scores:

JRU (90) – Teodoro 32, Dela Paz 20, Pontejos 16, Cruz 8, Dela Virgen 5, Abdul Wahab 4, Poutouochi 3, Sanchez 2

Mapua (87) – Oraeme 25, Que 19, Biteng 14, Menina 8, Stevens 6, Aguirre 5, Brana 4, Raflores 4, Serrano 2.

Quarter scores: 20-21, 38-34, 53-64, 90-87

– Rappler.com