Heavy Bombers Capture Second Preseason Title in Two Months

Jose Rizal University continued its remarkable preseason campaign by completing a two-game sweep of defending NCAA champion San Beda to capture the 2026 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup. The championship gives the Heavy Bombers their second preseason title in two months while strengthening expectations that the program could become one of the leading contenders in NCAA Season 102.

Winning multiple preseason tournaments does not guarantee regular-season success, but it often reflects a team’s growing chemistry, defensive consistency, and ability to execute under pressure. JRU displayed each of those qualities throughout the tournament, finishing another championship run with confidence against one of the NCAA’s most accomplished programs.

Lawrence Mangubat Continues to Lead JRU’s Championship Rise

Lawrence Mangubat once again delivered when the stakes were highest, continuing the outstanding form that earned him Tournament MVP recognition throughout the preseason. Tiebreaker Times reported that Mangubat scored 27 points to lead JRU to a 74-67 victory over San Beda while helping secure the Heavy Bombers’ second championship of the year.

His offensive production consistently gave JRU an advantage whenever San Beda threatened to close the gap, while his composure during the closing seconds ensured the defending NCAA champions never completed their comeback. Beyond the statistics, Mangubat’s confidence and leadership have become defining characteristics of JRU’s impressive preseason campaign.

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Tournament MVP Finishes Strong

Mangubat combined aggressive scoring with smart decision-making throughout the championship game, allowing JRU to maintain control during crucial stretches of the contest. His calm conversion of two decisive free throws with only 10.5 seconds remaining effectively sealed another championship victory for the Heavy Bombers.

Mangubat’s Championship Performance

• 27 points
• 3 rebounds
• 3 assists
• Converted the game-clinching free throws with 10.5 seconds remaining

“Ayaw ko lang matalo.”

Defensive Identity Continues to Separate the Heavy Bombers

While Mangubat provided the offensive firepower, JRU’s defensive discipline once again became the foundation of another championship performance against a quality opponent. The Heavy Bombers consistently disrupted San Beda’s offensive rhythm while forcing difficult possessions during the game’s most important moments.

Chris Hubilla anchored those defensive efforts through his activity on both ends of the floor, complementing his all-around production with a timely defensive stop that halted the Red Lions’ final comeback attempt. JRU’s commitment to defense has gradually evolved into one of the program’s defining strengths under head coach Nani Epondulan.

Hubilla Protects JRU’s Defensive Standard

Hubilla influenced the championship beyond his statistics by contesting shots, securing rebounds, and making winning plays whenever San Beda attempted to build momentum. His emphatic late block on Daniel Marcelo preserved JRU’s lead and highlighted the defensive identity that carried the Heavy Bombers throughout the preseason.

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Hubilla’s Defensive Contributions

• 8 points
• 8 rebounds
• 5 assists
• Game-saving block on Daniel Marcelo late in the fourth quarter

Balanced Rotation Strengthens JRU’s Championship Formula

JRU’s championship success reflected far more than outstanding performances from its star players because several role players contributed meaningful production throughout the title-clinching victory. Their balanced scoring prevented San Beda from focusing its defensive attention on Mangubat alone while giving the Heavy Bombers consistent offensive support.

That depth has become one of JRU’s biggest strengths entering NCAA Season 102 because multiple players have demonstrated the ability to deliver during high-pressure situations. Teams capable of receiving consistent contributions throughout the rotation are often better equipped to sustain success across a demanding collegiate season.

Supporting Cast Answers the Call

• Jahmir Eligado — 10 points, 9 rebounds
• Stephen Garupil — 9 points, including two fourth-quarter three-pointers
• Allan Laurenaria — 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
• JRU received valuable production from multiple rotation players throughout the championship game.

Nani Epondulan Credits Preparation for Another Championship

Head coach Nani Epondulan attributed JRU’s championship performance to the team’s preparation long before the opening tip, emphasizing that mental readiness became just as important as tactical execution. Facing the defending NCAA champions required discipline and confidence, qualities that the Heavy Bombers consistently displayed throughout their preseason meetings with San Beda.

That preparation translated into results as JRU completed a sweep of all three meetings against the Red Lions during the preseason, including victories in both championship games. The accomplishment reflects a program that has steadily developed a winning culture while preparing for the challenges awaiting in NCAA Season 102.

Mental Preparation Became the Difference

Epondulan explained that his coaching staff invested significant effort in strengthening the team’s mindset before every major game, believing confidence would become a deciding factor against elite competition. The players responded by remaining composed in pressure situations and executing consistently during the closing minutes of each victory.

“From the start, yun naman ang tinatrabaho namin. Mentally naiready namin sila.”

Championship Momentum Carries Into NCAA Season 102

The Heavy Bombers enter the upcoming NCAA campaign with considerable confidence after assembling one of the strongest preseason résumés among collegiate programs this year. Winning consecutive tournaments while suffering only one defeat demonstrates both roster depth and an increasingly consistent style of play that should translate well into the regular season.

Although preseason championships never guarantee future success, they often provide valuable evidence that a team’s systems, chemistry, and leadership continue moving in the right direction. JRU now carries the responsibility of proving that its impressive preseason form can be sustained against the heightened demands of NCAA competition.

Strong Foundation Supports Season Aspirations

The Heavy Bombers established a clear identity by combining disciplined defense, balanced scoring, and steady late-game execution throughout the preseason. Maintaining those qualities against stronger regular-season opposition will determine whether JRU can transform early momentum into a legitimate NCAA championship challenge.

JRU’s 2026 Preseason Achievements

• Champions of the U-Belt Invitational Tournament
• Champions of the 2026 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup
• Completed a two-game championship sweep of San Beda
• Finished the preseason with only one defeat
• Captured the program’s first Filoil championship after finishing runner-up in the tournament’s inaugural 2006 edition

Analytical Breakdown: Team Identity Drives Championship Success

JRU’s championship run highlighted the importance of building a complete team rather than depending on one player to carry every important possession. From my experience as a former varsity basketball player, successful collegiate programs sustain winning by combining disciplined defense, dependable role players, and consistent execution when games become increasingly physical in the closing minutes.

I believe the Heavy Bombers’ biggest achievement this preseason was establishing a clear identity that can carry into NCAA Season 102. Winning multiple tournaments is encouraging, but consistently defending, sharing offensive responsibilities, and remaining composed against quality opponents are stronger indicators of long-term championship potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the 2026 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup?

Jose Rizal University defeated San Beda, 74-67, to complete a two-game championship sweep.

Who was named Tournament MVP?

Lawrence Mangubat earned Tournament MVP honors after scoring 27 points in JRU’s championship-clinching victory.

How many preseason championships has JRU won in 2026?

The Heavy Bombers captured both the U-Belt Invitational Tournament and the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup during the 2026 preseason.

When does NCAA Season 102 begin?

The NCAA Season 102 seniors’ basketball tournament is scheduled to open on September 13 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Disclaimer: Headline Image from Cebu Daily News – Inquirer.net