NCAA: JRU blasts off in Q2 to hand Mapua 1st loss

Patrick Ramos shone for JRU. NCAA

By Ivan Saldajeno

SAN JUAN, MM--Jose Rizal University crashed Mapua's surprise start to the NCAA season with a 70-61 win on Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

Bouncing back from a chippy overtime loss to the CSB Blazers, the Heavy Bombers quickly extinguished the Cardinals' early barrage and sustained their defense from there.

After letting Mapua fire 26 points in the first quarter, JRU outscored them, 23-9, in the second quarter to open a 38-35 halftime lead.

The Bombers would keep their defense in check in the second half to hold off the Cardinals.

Patrick Ramos led JRU, which tied its victim at 2-1, with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Agem Miranda added 15 points, three rebounds, four assists, four steals, and one block.

Clint Escamis led Mapua with 19 points, four rebounds, four assists, and six steals.

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