MANILA, Philippines – The JRU Heavy Bombers opened their NCAA season 91 senior’s basketball campaign with an impressive victory over the Arellano University Chiefs, 78-61, on Saturday, June 27, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Using a dominant second quarter to pull away, JRU was superb on the defensive side of the floor where they limited their opponents to 32% shooting from the field and forced 20 turnovers.
Abdoul Poutouochi played well with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Bernabe Teodoro put up 11 points in the win.
“We just played good defense and we [were] moving the ball. We [were] looking for the open guy,” JRU head coach Vergel Meneses said after the game.
After tying with Arellano at 19 after 10 minutes of play, JRU outscored their opponents 21-9 in the second quarter to go ahead by 12 heading into the half. The onslaught continued in the third period, where the Heavy Bombers limited the Chiefs to 13 points while scoring 26 of their own.
“Whatever naibigay nang defense nang Arellano, we [were] ready for them,” Meneses said.
The Chiefs were spearheaded by the 15 points of Michael Salado. Dioncee Holts and Allen Enriquez put up 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
JRU went 0-of-12 from downtown – Teodoro was 0-of-8 – but was dominant in the rebounding department, hauling down 57 boards to AU’s 44. The Heavy Bombers did a much better job distributing the handle, too, compiling 19 assists to their opponents’ 11.
Both teams will be back in action on Friday, July 3, when JRU goes up against Letran while Arellano takes on Lyceum.
– Rappler.com
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