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By Frank C. Calapre, Correspondent
JOSE RIZAL UNIVERSITY leaned on James Sena’s
jumper in the final 1.4 seconds to beat Philippine Christian
University 60-58 Wednesday in the 84th National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament at the Cuneta
Astrodome.
Sena received the ball from Marc Cagoco and
scored the game-winning basket as the Heavy Bombers rolled to their
fifth straight win, including a 79-74 decision over defending
champion San Beda College on July 23.
“Our battle cry before the game was 0-2 to No.
2. God is so good to us that is why we are here,” said JRU coach
Ariel Vanguardia.
The win also assured the Heavy Bombers of second
place at 5-2 even if the Red Lions win over the Letran Knights.
San Beda (4-2) and Letran (6-0) were still
playing at press time.
“I thanked the coaching staff and our school
administration for there continued trust in us. We relied solely on
defense. That’s why were able to limit PCU to just under 60
points,” added Vanguardia, whose Bombers won the crown in 1972.
It was a tight game with neither team leading by
more than six points.
“We hope for a good start in the second round
of the elimination. We did it now and I’m sure we can do it
again,” stressed Vanguardia.
The 6’3” Sena led the Heavy Bombers with 14
points on top of 11 rebounds. He also had 2 blocks, 1 assist and 1
steal.
Narlon Gomez and Leimar Navarro had 19 points
each while Liszyian Amparado added eight for the 2004 champion
Dolphins, who finished the first-round eliminations with a 1-6
record.
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