JRU’s win under protest
Games Today (The Arena, San Juan) 12 noon – San Beda vs St. Benilde 2 p.m. – Lyceum vs San Sebastian 4 p.m. – Letran vs EAC
Abizarre ending marred Jose Rizal University’s 114-112 double overtime victory over Arellano University yesterday in the NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan, prompting the losing team to place the game under protest.
Arellano was contesting the crucial call with 12.6 seconds left in the second extra period that saw the referees awarding JRU’s Tey Teodoro a threepointer instead of a long two despite stepping on the arc to put the Heavy Bombers ahead 113-109.
Jiovanni Jalanon hurriedly made a three of his own to pull the Chiefs within 113-112 before fouling the Heavy Bombers Gio Lasquety with 1.4 seconds left.
The halt in the action allowed the referees to rule Teodoro’s shot as a twopointer following a video review, tying the game at 112-all.
The reversal, though, benefited JRU as Lasquety sank the winning free throws much to the dismay of Arellano Coach Jerry Codinera.
“Sobrang frustrating,” Codinera said. “Ang dami naming chances manalo but there was this last attempt na it was counted as a three-point shot instead of a two.”
The wild finish put both teams in a tie for fourth place at 6-4, pending a decision by NCAA Commissioner Bai Cristobal and the league’s Management Committee.
Arellano is expected submit a formal protest before today’s tripleheader.
The controversy overshadowed the career-high 32 points of JRU guard Paolo Pontejos. He also had four rebounds and eight assists.
Jalalon was also impressive in a losing effort with 36 points, seven rebounds and 16 assists.
It also put in the backdrop Mapua’s stunning 70-65 win over University of Perpetual Help in the second game that prevented the Altas from forging a threeway tie for the lead with the defending champion San Beda Red Lions and the Letran Knights.
JRU 114 – Pontejos 32, Poutouchi 21, Teodoro 16, Astilla 10, Dela Paz 10, Cruz 9, Lasquety 8, Dela Virgen 3, Sanchez 2, Grospe 2, Abdulwahab 1, Estrella 0.
ARELLANO 112 – Jalalon 36, Holts 21, Nicholls 20, Enriquez 10, Bangga 9, Cadavis 6, Meca 5, Salado 3, Ortega 2, Capara 0, Gumaru 0.
Quarters: 19-12; 40-35; 66-63; 87-87 (Reg); 98-98 (1OT); 114-112 (2OT).
Oraeme 19, Biteng 12, Serrano 11, Nieles 9, Menina 9,Que 4, Brana 4, Aguirre 2, Dela Rosa 0, Raflores 0.
PERPETUAL 65 – Akhuetie 18, Thompson 14, Dagangon 11 Dizon 5, Oliveria 4, Eze 4, Sadiwa 3, Coronel 2, Bantayan 2, Gallardo 2, Ylagan 0, Tamayo 0, Elopre 0, Cabiltes 0.
Quarters: 20-13; 46-29; 59-42; 70-65.