JRU Bombs Mapua In NCAA Season 89: Philip Paniamogan To The Rescue!

By Kristina Caramel Sy

The JRU Heavy Bomber spoils Mapua Cardinals’ debut in NCAA Season 89 with a final score of 83-72.

The Bombers exploded with 9-0 run at the start of the game courtesy of Paolo Pontejos. Pontejos was a former Red Lion. And, in this game, he showed his never say die Bedan attitude as he tallied 18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals.

The MIT Cardinals suffered a big 20 point deficit due to unforced turnovers that urged their new head coach Atoy Co to send in his 2nd stringers on the court.

The Cards managed to decrease their deficit down to 10 as Joseph Eriobu and Andrew Estrella stepped up in the 2nd quarter to end the 1st half, 43-33.

Kenneth Ighalo found his range from the 3 point line as he made 4 treys in the third quarter to grab their very first lead in the game, 60-62.
However, the JRU Bombers answered all those treys through Phillip Paniamogan’s 4 treys that extend their lead to 11. It destroyed the Cards’ confidence, eventually losing to the Heavy Bombers.

Coach Vergel Meneses admitted in the post-game interview that “Nung nag 1-2-2 sila, hindi namin maitawid yung bola so we design a play para maitawid yung bola. Dun sila nakahabol sa 1-2-2 play.”

He also said that he gave all his players the license to take the shot as long as it’s a good shot not forced shots.

Meanwhile, Coach Atoy Co seems frustrated during the post-game interview wherein he admitted that he was expecting someone on his team to step up for this game.

Also, when asked on how he will rate his team at the moment, he answered: “70%” where he needs to focus more on their defense plus limit their turnovers.