Ry Dela Rosa made up for his dismal shooting and delivered when it mattered the most, draining a game-winning triple with 4.8 seconds left as Jose Rizal University escaped with a 70-67 win over Arellano in the NCAA Season 98 men's basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Heavy Bombers, who were trailing for the most part of the game, showed steely nerves in the payoff period after unloading a 16-0 run to come back from the huge hole and score their second win in four outings.
Getting momentum from that commanding fourth quarter spurt, the Bombers managed to maintain the lead at 67-64 with 1:20 left before Axel Doromal, Cade Flores, and Danielle Mallari connived to tie the game.
William Sy lost control of the ball in the ensuing play which paved the way for a fastbreak play for Arellano but Flores missed an open layup with less than 45 seconds remaining.
Guiab also missed the next attempt before Doromal's jumper likewise rattled off the basket. In the last possession, John Delos Santos secured the rebound and set up the next play.
Crossing the ball over the halfcourt, Delos Santos called up the play, drew the defense of Arellano, and handed the ball over to Dela Rosa, who was patiently waiting for the open fire.
"Siguro 'yong closing ng game it's just a matter kung sino 'yong mas malakas pa 'pag natapos in terms of conditioning and in terms of focus," said Bombers head coach Louie Gonzales.
"Kasi pareho kami ng Arellano, at that stage, pareho kaming medyo pagod na. Ako naman, alam ng mga players ko na we need to overcome 'yong pagod namin. Kasi that's the only way we compete."
Delos Santos also did all the work from both ends, finishing with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists while Dela Rosa had four points on a 1-of-5 shooting clip, getting the lone field goal from his late game heroics.
Doromal paced the Chiefs, who sustained a 3-2 slate, with 24 points and four rebounds while Shane Menina chipped in 13 rebounds, nine rebounds, and five assists.
The Scores:
JRU 70 -- Guiab 17, Sy 13, Dionisio 12, Delos Santos 10, Miranda 7, Dela Rosa 4, Celis 3, Amores 2, Arenal 2, Medina 0, Villarin 0, Joson 0, De Jesus 0.
ARELLANO 67 -- Doromal 24, Menina 13, Flores 8, Mallari 7, Tolentino 7, Oliva 6, Abastillas 2, Punzalan 0, Oftana 0, Domingo 0.
Quarters: 23-21, 35-36, 45-56, 70-67.