NCAA: JRU fends off Saint Benilde’s scare to claim victory

MANILA, Philippines – Jose Rizal University kept its Final Four bid alive by beating College of Saint Benilde Blazers, 73-69, on Tuesday, September 15 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

Bernabe “Teytey” Teodoro mustered 17 markers, while John Grospe registered eight of his 10 points in the final period to improve JRU’s win-loss record to 8-6 and stay in contention to grab a final-four slot.

“If you’re going to look at it, there is hope and it getting clear that we have a chance. However, we have to win our next four games,” JRU head coach Vergel Meneses said in a post-game interview.

Aside from Teodoro and Grospe, Paolo Pontejos and Abdoul Poutouchi had 13 baskets apiece for the Meneses-mentored troop.

The Heavy Bombers earned a hard-fought victory at the expense of Saint Benilde, who was led by ace gunslinger Jonathan Grey.

Grey amassed 34 points to come along with seven rebounds, four assists and a steal for the Taft-based Green Blazers, but it was not enough to place Saint Benilde (3-11) on the winning track.

“They have nothing to lose coming in this game against us. There was no pressure,” Meneses stated.

With 2:07 ticks left in the regulation, Grey poured a beyond-the-arc bucket to put Saint Benilde up with a 67-66 cushion, but Teodoro orchestrated an unselfish play that allowed Grospe to convert.

Gorospe then sank two charities from the foul line with 38.3 seconds remaining before Teodoro split his freebies to seal the triumph.

Scores:

JRU (73) — Teodoro 17, Pontejos 13, Poutouochi 13, Balagtas 10, Grospe 10, Sanchez 4, Abdul Wahab 3, Estrella 2, Dela Paz 1, Lasquety 0, Cruz 0, Dela Virgen 0

CSB (69) — Grey 34, Ongteco 10, J.J. Domingo 9, Deles 7, Jonson 3, Nayve 3, Fajarito 3, S. Domingo 0, Castor 0, Saavedra 0, Young 0, San Juan 0

Quarter scores: 12-12, 35-32, 57-52, 73-69. – Rappler.com