JRU Defeated Letran In NCAA Season 88 1ST Round Game: Byron Villarias Had A Big Scoring Day!

By Kristina Caramel Sy

The Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers outclassed the Letran Knights in their NCAA Season 88 1st Rounnd face-off last Monday, August 13, 2012 at The Arena in San Juan. The final score was 101-83 in favor of JRU.

Byron Villarias and Nate Matute exploded for 29 points and 25 points, respectively in this game. Their fine scoring night made the Knights succumb to defeat.

Nate Matute scored heavily in the First Half while Byron Villarias scored in bunches in the Second Half. They were players behind this dominating win of JRU against Letran right from the First Quarter up to the Final Buzzer. Byron showed that he can score both from the inside as well as from the outside. Nate on the other hand showed his clutch shooting in the First Half. He was the one who subtly inspired Villarias to play well.

The Knights were able to keep the scores close at the end of the First Quarter, 19-17. But JRU suddenly had a scoring outburst in the 2nd Quarter. They also carried their nice showing in the 2nd half. That increased their lead to 20 points at the end of the 3rd, 74-54.

Bombers Carampil and Almario were unstoppable in the last Quarter.

Due to this loss, Letran would have a difficult time in climbing up in the team standings. They now have 4 wins and 4 losses while JRU now has a very impressive 7 wins and 2 losses. This is one of their best starts in the whole history of the NCAA.

Coach Vergel Meneses admitted that this is the moment that he's been waiting for. He has been itching to see Villarias and Matute simultaneously have dominating performances in a single game. He also believed that Villarias is one of his consistent players.