Southwestern University beats Jose Rizal University to earn FilOil semis berth

MANILA, Philippines – The Southwestern University Cobras used a dominant third quarter to take care of the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 65-57, and book a ticket to the 2014 FilOil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup preseason tournament semifinals on Monday, June 2, at the San Juan Arena.

Led by Landry Sanjo’s 19 points, 19 rebounds, and four assists and Mark Tallo’s 13 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists, the Cebu-based basketball club outscored their counterparts 22-12 in the third quarter to erect a comfortable lead that guided them through the fourth quarter as well. 

“Well, being in the round of four is an honor already,” said Cobras head coach Yayoy Alcoseba after the game. He added: “I was telling the players that we have to win this one. Sayang naman yung 5-1 tapos hindi tayo pumasok sa round four. We got a break because La Salle lost. With all due respect to JRU, kung natalo Perpetual, we would have played La Salle, and we didn’t want that.”

SWU now awaits the winner of Wednesday’s matchup between Far Eastern University and De La Salle University, whom they will face in the semis on Friday, June 4.

When asked which university he’d rather his team face, Coach Alcoseba didn’t shy away: “Of course, FEU. La Salle is La Salle.” He also stated that “anything can happen.”

The Cobras were able to build a comfortable margin in the third period, as a jumper by Tallo gave his club a 38-31 edge five minutes in. Later on, a three-pointer by Jaycee Asuncion kept his club within seven, but SWU responded with five quick points to go up 12.

Antonio Pardo’s second trey of the game extended his side’s lead to 15, but JRU managed to sink a tandem of charities to be down only 13, 51-38, entering the final period.

Asuncion hit another corner three to get the game back down to 10 at the start of the final canto, but JRU wouldn’t get any offense after. With a little under seven minutes to remaining, back-to-back baskets from Sanjo and Jovanie Luz, who finished with five points, put the Bombers in a 19-point deficit they would not come back from.

The Heavy Bombers were spearheaded by Phillip Paniamogan, who put up 16 markers but went a paltry 5-of-16 from the field. Asuncion pitched in as well, contributing 11 points.

The winners outrebounded their rivals by nine, 44-35, and managed to survive despite giving up 18 points off turnovers.

It was a struggle for teams to score at the start of the game, as defense was the theme of the first quarter. After 12 minutes of action, SWU had a slim 11-9 lead.

The offense of both clubs picked up to start the second quarter, and JRU would soon tie the game thanks to five straight points from Paniamogan, and would eventually claim the lead moments later thanks to Sanchez, who went on a 5-0 spurt of his own. 

The Bombers continued to pound on their Cebu-based counterparts, extending the lead up to eight before a 3-ball by Mac Tallo stopped by the bleeding.

SWU managed to regain some momentum by slowing down the tempo and taking better care of the basketball. After a post score by Sanjo and layup by Tallo, JRU’s advantage was trimmed to two, as the Bombers failed to get on the break and operate their sets.

Jose Rizal’s offense turned into flux, and the Cobras took full advantage. Another live-ball TO went SWU’s way, and Sanjo took full advantage to tie the contest at 26-26.

At the half, three points separated both squads, 29-26, with Southwestern on top.

Scores

SWU: Sanjo 19, Tallo 13, Mohammed 8, Pardo 7, Goloran 6, Luz 5, Bregondo 4, Parker 3, Aboude 0

JRU: Paniamogan 16, Asuncion 11, Abdul Wahab 7, Sanchez 7, Mabulac 5, Benavides 5, Dela Paz 3, Lasquety 2, Benemerito 0, Salaveria 0

Quarter Scores: 11-9, 29-26, 51-38, 65-57

– Rappler.com