Jose Rizal University dominated the debuting Emilio Aguinaldo College, 77-67, to get a share of the early lead in the Group A standings in the PG Flex Linoleum UCBL Pre-Season tournament Friday at the SGS Gym in Quezon City.
A huge opening quarter set the tone in the Heavy Bombers’ romp of the Generals with Agem Miranda exploding for 27 points to lead his team to its second straight win and draw level with idle University of Perpetual Help atop the standings.
Miranda, who also added four rebounds and four assists in the victory, has been on a tear for the Heavy Bombers to start the tournament after also dropping 24 points in JRU’s 86-60 opening win over Olivarez College.
Meanwhile, National University also stamped its class over Centro Escolar University, 80-66, behind a stellar performance from Jhomel Ancheta who scattered 22 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Over the Group B action, Olivarez bounced back from a stinging defeat to JRU with a 75-66 victory over Philippine Christian University. Mark Gallano shone for the Sea Lions with 15 points, eight boards and two assists as they improved to a 2-1 record in the standings.
Adamson also emerged triumphant as it demolished opening day winner University of Batangas, 61-52, behind an efficient showing from Ray Allen Torres with 12 points in 17 minutes of play.
Meantime, games resume Sunday with JRU shooting for win No. 3 vs PCU-D and UAAP champion University of the Philippines going for win No. 2 against EAC-EOG at 11 a.m. CEU hopes to nail its first win versus Lyceum at 12:45 p.m. and NU tackles UB at 4:15 p.m.