Jonathan Medina sank a floater with 8.2 seconds left to tow Jose Rizal University past Enoch Valdez and the hard-fighting Lyceum in double overtime, 88-87, in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Tuesday, Oct. 17, in San Juan City.

Despite a quiet night that only netted him six points, Medina showed poise and nailed the winning basket to help the Heavy Bombers claim their fifth win against three losses with a game left in the first round of elimination.

JRU assistant coach Alex Callueng said that the victory should serve as a morale booster after picking up two straight losses against San Sebastian and San Beda.

“This win is a must win, and we’re grateful that we survived this game,” Callueng said.

“We believe this victory will help the kids to boost their morale,” he added.

Joshua Guiab topped the scoring with 18 points, none bigger than the six he dropped in the two extra periods. Agem Miranda and Marwin Dionisio backstopped him with 14 points each.

JRU actually had the chance to pull off the win with a 66-56 cushion in the final frame.

But Valdez pulled the Pirates on his shoulders as he spearheaded a 10-3 run that pushed the match to the first overtime at 71 all.

Renz Villegas then steered the Pirates to a 79-74 lead, but squandered it with Dionisio and Guiab combining to force another extension.

Valdez chalked up 24 points, 14 rebounds and five assists while John Bravo had 20 points and 10 rebounds. Shawn Umali and Omandac finished with nine points apiece as the Pirates suffered their third consecutive loss for a 6-3 record.