THE duo of skipper Marvin Hayes and John Lopez sparked heavily in the second half to help Jose Rizal University rout winless Perpetual Help, 78-62, at the Arena in San Juan Friday.
After a wobbly first half, the Heavy Bombers outnumbered Perpetual 32 to 17 in the third quarter to pull away and win the school’s third victory in four assignments in the eliminations of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
JRU guard Alex Almario chipped in 12 points on five of seven shooting while Cameroonian forward Nchotu Njei added 10 points, three boards, seven assists, two steals and two blocks to bring pride to the Mandaluyong-based squad.
But even with the win, Meneses said his wards have not yet reached its full potential.
“I think di pa namin naaabot ang full potential ng JRU. We have games na ok, meron masama naman. I think nasa 70 percent pa rin kami, may time na nagre-relax pa rin,” he said.
George Allen registered 17 points, three rebounds and a steal while Arnold Danganan used his 32 minutes to unload 16 markers for Perpetual Help.
The Heavy Bombers will face the College of St. Benilde on July 23 at the Arena.
The Scores
JRU (78) – Lopez J. 16, Almario 12, Hayes 11, Njei 10, Bulangis 10, Kabigiting 8, Apinan 6, Matute 3, Etame 2, Lopez M. 0, Montemayor 0.
Perpetual (62) - Allen 17, Danganan 16, Alano 13, Arboleda 7, Elopre 3, Ynion 3, Sumera 2, Vidal 1.
Quarters: 12-17, 29-34, 61-45, 78-62.
(Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)