Mangubat Leads Balanced JRU Attack in NCAA Rout
José Rizal University defeated San Sebastian, 102-78, after a dominant second half secured its third consecutive NCAA Season 102 victory. Lawrence Mangubat produced 20 points and eight assists as five Heavy Bombers reached double figures during Friday’s convincing win.
JRU Answers Coach’s Halftime Challenge
Luis Licas of Tiebreaker Times chronicled JRU’s response after San Sebastian erased an early nine-point deficit during Friday’s contest. The Stags briefly moved ahead 39-35 before JRU recovered and carried a 51-44 advantage into the halftime break.
Heavy Bombers coach Nani Epondulan demanded greater effort during halftime despite his team holding a seven-point advantage. JRU answered by creating greater separation after the break, eventually building a 16-point advantage during the third quarter.
“We started flat. So come halftime, we talked about it sa dugout na hindi ako kontento sa binibigay nilang effort. Credit to the boys, nakinig naman sila sa sinabi ko,” Epondulan said.
Image from: Tempo
Heavy Bombers Pull Away After Halftime
JRU scored 51 second-half points, matching its first-half output while steadily extending its advantage against San Sebastian. Sanlea Penaverde later pushed JRU beyond 100 points with a three-pointer during the game’s final 35 seconds.
Lawrence Mangubat Controls JRU Offense
Mangubat led JRU with 20 points, eight assists, and three steals during another productive all-around performance. His playmaking supported an offense featuring five double-digit scorers, giving the Heavy Bombers production across several rotation players.
Chris Hubilla contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds, recording a double-double alongside Mangubat’s team-leading scoring performance. Jahmir Eligado added 12 points, while Sean Salvador finished with 11 as JRU maintained its balanced offensive production.
Five Heavy Bombers Reach Double Figures
Jalen Garcia scored 13 points to join Mangubat, Hubilla, Eligado, and Salvador among JRU’s five double-digit scorers. Their combined production gave the Heavy Bombers multiple contributors as they surpassed 100 points for the victory.
Jalen Garcia Delivers Perfect Shooting Night
Garcia scored his 13 points without missing from the field, maximizing his opportunities within JRU’s balanced offensive attack. Rather than emphasizing the perfect shooting performance afterward, Garcia credited patience and the opportunities naturally created during possessions.
His production complemented JRU’s other scorers without requiring a high volume of attempts during the 24-point victory. Garcia’s performance provided another efficient scoring source alongside Mangubat’s creation and Hubilla’s double-double against the winless Stags.
“For me, ‘yung perfect field goals wala lang sakin. ‘Yung tira di ko rin hinahanap, kusang dumadating lang ‘yan sakin, tinitira ko lang,” Garcia said.
Garcia Credits Patience for Efficient Scoring
Garcia said he did not actively search for his attempts, instead taking shots when opportunities developed naturally. That approach produced 13 points without a field-goal miss while contributing to JRU’s five-player double-digit scoring group.
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San Sebastian Falls Short After Early Rally
San Sebastian erased JRU’s early nine-point advantage and moved ahead 39-35 during the second quarter. Salvador helped the Heavy Bombers regain control before halftime, when JRU carried a seven-point advantage into the locker room.
Niel Castor paced San Sebastian with 17 points, finishing as the Stags’ leading scorer during another defeat. Ralph Gabat contributed 12 points and four assists, while Dash Cuya supplied 10 points for San Sebastian.
Castor Leads Stags Despite Seventh Straight Loss
Castor, Gabat, and Cuya all reached double figures, but San Sebastian still fell to 0-7 in NCAA Season 102. The Stags remained winless midway through crossover competition despite showing enough resistance to briefly lead during the second quarter.
Heavy Bombers Improve to 5-1
JRU improved to 5-1 after defeating San Sebastian, extending its winning streak to three games during crossover competition. The Heavy Bombers also reached 102 points, producing their strongest offensive total during this three-game winning stretch.
JRU was scheduled to return against Emilio Aguinaldo College on Monday, October 12, seeking its fourth consecutive victory. San Sebastian’s next scheduled game was against Lyceum on October 16 as the Stags continued searching for their first win.
EAC Presents JRU’s Next Challenge
Emilio Aguinaldo College represents JRU’s next assignment after the Heavy Bombers produced their third consecutive NCAA victory. JRU enters that matchup carrying a 5-1 record following its 24-point victory over San Sebastian.
Analytical Breakdown: Playmaking Powered JRU
JRU’s balanced scoring makes its offense difficult to disrupt because aggressive defensive help can immediately create opportunities elsewhere. Mangubat’s eight assists strengthened that balance, allowing teammates to find efficient chances without depending heavily on individual creation. Stronger first-half intensity remains JRU’s clearest improvement area, since better opponents could punish slow starts before adjustments take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the JRU versus San Sebastian final score?
JRU defeated San Sebastian, 102-78, in their NCAA Season 102 seniors basketball matchup during Friday’s crossover competition.
Who led JRU against San Sebastian?
Lawrence Mangubat led JRU with 20 points, eight assists, and three steals during the Heavy Bombers’ victory.
What is JRU’s NCAA Season 102 record?
JRU improved to 5-1 after defeating San Sebastian and recording its third consecutive victory of the tournament.
How many JRU players scored in double figures?
Five Heavy Bombers reached double figures, with Mangubat, Hubilla, Garcia, Eligado, and Salvador combining for balanced offensive production.
What is San Sebastian’s NCAA Season 102 record?
San Sebastian dropped to 0-7 and remained winless midway through the NCAA Season 102 crossover competition.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Daily Tribune.
