JRU bludgeons Arellano in Final Four rematch

Rejj Sibayan (file photo)
By Ric Arlos

PASAY—The Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers blasted the Arellano University Chiefs, 78-61, in the second game of the opening day of NCAA Season 91 at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday night.

The Heavy Bombers and the Chiefs exerted equal efforts from the start of the game, leading to a tie of 19-all at the end of the first quarter.

Abdul Abdulwahab, contributing five points for the Bombers in the second quarter, spearheaded his team as they locked out the Chiefs to just nine points for the whole quarter and take a 40-28 lead.

The Bombers' lead continued up to the third quarter as Abdel Poutouochi ignited a total of 11 points for their team.

On the other hand, the Chiefs tried catching up from the free-throw line as a series of fouls coming from the Bombers heated up the basketball floor.

The third quarter still ended though in favor of the Heavy Bombers, 66-41, and they held on to the cushion until the final buzzer.

Poutouochi led JRU in avenging its semifinal loss to Arellano last year with 23 points on 10-of-13 shooting with 11 rebounds, one block, and one steal.

Rookie Michael Salado, meanwhile, had a good debut for Arellano as he made 15 points, two assists, and four steals.

Box Scores:

JRU 78-Poutouochi 23, Teodoro 11, Abdulwahab 9, Lasquety 8, Sanchez 7, Dela Paz 6, Grospe 6, Pontejos 4, Cruz 2, Aurin 2, Astilla 0, Balagtas 0, Dela Virgen 0

Arellano 61-Salado 15, Holts 11, Enriquez 10, Cadavis 8, Bangga 5, Gumaru 5, Jalalon 4, Nicholls 3, Meca 0, Ortega 6, Tano 0, De Guzman 0, Zamora 0, Ongolo 0

Quarterscores: 19-19, 40-28, 66-41, 78-61