Magubat and Hubilla Deliver in Decisive Moments
Jose Rizal University survived St. Benilde’s furious comeback, 73-69, remaining unbeaten in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament. The Heavy Bombers surrendered a 16-point advantage before Lawrence Magubat and Chris Hubilla delivered during the decisive closing possessions.
JRU Survives Benilde Comeback for 2-0 Start
JRU’s dramatic finish at PlayTime EcoOil Centre was reported by Paolo Ambat for One Sports after Benilde erased 16 points. The victory improved the Heavy Bombers to 2-0, securing the solo Group A lead while handing Benilde its first defeat.
JRU appeared comfortable before the Blazers gradually erased their double-digit third-quarter deficit and transformed the contest into another late thriller. Benilde eventually moved ahead with two minutes remaining, forcing the Heavy Bombers to execute without their earlier scoreboard cushion.
Image from: Panay News
Heavy Bombers Take Solo Group A Lead
The four-point victory gave JRU early control of Group A while extending its unbeaten NCAA Season 102 opening. More importantly, the Heavy Bombers survived another demanding finish after watching a commanding advantage completely disappear against Benilde.
Benilde Erases 16-Point Deficit to Take Late Lead
Justin Sanchez powered Benilde’s comeback with 21 points, providing consistent offense while the Blazers steadily reduced JRU’s comfortable advantage. SJ Moore and Jhomel Ancheta added 18 points apiece, giving Benilde three dependable scorers throughout its determined second-half rally.
Together, Sanchez, Moore, and Ancheta produced 57 of Benilde’s 69 points, accounting for more than 82 percent of its offense. Ancheta completed the comeback with a baseline jumper, giving the Blazers a 65-64 advantage with exactly two minutes remaining.
Ancheta Puts Blazers Ahead With Two Minutes Left
Ancheta’s basket represented Benilde’s strongest position after the Blazers spent most of the afternoon attempting to erase JRU’s advantage. However, taking the lead created another challenge because Benilde still needed defensive stops against JRU’s primary late-game options.
Magubat and Hubilla Deliver in Closing Minutes
Hubilla immediately answered Benilde’s lead by converting two free throws, restoring JRU’s advantage during a critical late possession. Magubat followed with a three-pointer that pushed the Heavy Bombers ahead, 70-66, with only 1:06 remaining in regulation.
Magubat finished with 20 points and nine rebounds, then converted three late free throws to help secure JRU’s victory. Hubilla contributed 12 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks, combining interior defense with timely scoring during the decisive stretch.
JRU Answers Benilde With Decisive Late Execution
Hubilla credited JRU’s coaches for emphasizing collective discipline whenever difficult situations develop during the fourth quarter of close games. That message became especially relevant after Benilde erased JRU’s 16-point advantage and briefly captured the lead during closing minutes.
“Lagi naman ini-impose ng mga coaches namin na mag stick together lang kami sa sistema na tinatakbo namin and wag lang kami bumitaw sa fourth quarter,” said Hubilla in the post-game interview.
JRU Turns Pressure Into Another Close Victory
The Benilde finish continued an early pattern of JRU producing decisive plays when games reach their most demanding possessions. Sean Salvador previously delivered a game-winning basket with 2.2 seconds remaining during the Heavy Bombers’ 65-64 victory over Mapúa.
Different players decided those two close victories, with Salvador delivering against Mapúa before Hubilla and Magubat responded against Benilde. That distribution gives JRU multiple late-game options, although surrendering a 16-point lead still provides important material for review.
Different Players Have Delivered Late for Heavy Bombers
JRU has already won two games requiring decisive execution during the closing possessions, creating valuable early-season experience under pressure. Maintaining that composure while preventing extended lapses should help the Heavy Bombers avoid repeatedly depending on dramatic late recoveries.
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San Beda Gives JRU Bigger Early-Season Test
JRU next faces defending NCAA champion San Beda on September 26, providing another significant test for its unbeaten start. Their September 18 meeting ended during the first quarter after slippery court conditions made continued play unsafe for both teams.
The rematch gives JRU another opportunity to measure its execution after surviving consecutive games featuring decisive late possessions. Four-quarter consistency becomes especially important after Benilde demonstrated how quickly a substantial advantage can disappear against determined opposition.
Previous Meeting Stopped by Slippery Court
The earlier interruption prevented either side from producing a meaningful competitive result before unsafe conditions forced officials to stop play. JRU now enters the rescheduled matchup with two victories and another opportunity to strengthen its early position within Group A.
Analytical Breakdown: Composure Won the Closing Minutes
JRU’s strongest response came after surrendering its 16-point advantage, when disciplined execution replaced the temptation for rushed possessions. Hubilla’s free throws and Magubat’s three-pointer showed multiple players can handle decisive moments when late-game pressure intensifies. Hubilla’s rim protection provides another foundation, but maintaining four-quarter consistency remains essential before JRU faces stronger championship-level opposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the JRU vs Benilde score?
JRU defeated St. Benilde, 73-69, improving to 2-0 while taking sole possession of the NCAA Season 102 Group A lead.
Who led JRU against St. Benilde?
Lawrence Magubat led the Heavy Bombers with 20 points and nine rebounds during their four-point victory over the Blazers.
What were Chris Hubilla’s statistics against Benilde?
Chris Hubilla recorded 12 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks while earning Player of the Game honors for JRU.
Who led Benilde in scoring?
Justin Sanchez scored 21 points, while SJ Moore and Jhomel Ancheta contributed 18 points apiece during Benilde’s first defeat.
Who will JRU play next?
JRU will face defending champion San Beda after their previous meeting ended early because slippery court conditions made play unsafe.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from themanilatimes on Instagram.
