The streak continues for Jose Rizal University after it escaped Lyceum of the Philippines University, 63-57, to claim its fifth win in a row in NCAA Season 98 on Friday.
Marwin Dionisio tallied 15 points and 10 rebounds, both game-highs, for JRU while rookie William Sy added 10 points and eight boards.
The Heavy Bombers outscored the Pirates, 20-8, in the fourth quarter to turn the game around and pick up the win.
Down by nine points, 56-47, the Heavy Bombers were able to tie things up at 56-all after they staged a 9-0 run with 2:15 left to play.
A three-point play opportunity completed by Dionisio then gave JRU a crucial 59-56 lead before John Amores dropped the leather for a four-point cushion.
Enoch Valdez then missed on his triple attempt as Dionsio sealed the epic victory with his two freebies, 63-57.
JRU improved to 5-2, drawing even with Lyceum and San Beda in a three-way tie for second spot as the Pirates saw their own five-game winning streak come to an end.
A 12-0 rampage late in the second quarter saw Lyceum's lead balloon to 33-20, before Sy scored five straight points for a 34-27 deficit.
But the Pirates maintained their hot-shooting to take a 38-29 halftime lead.
JRU then unleashed a run of its own in the third, reclaiming the lead, 41-38, after a 12-0 rampage to open the frame. Still, Pirates got enough weapon in its arsenal to create a 49-43 cushion before the payoff period.
But JRU mounted their late rally in the fourth and set up an exciting endgame.
The scores:
JRU 63 - Dionisio 15, Sy 10, Amores 8, Guiab 7, Delos Santos 6, Gonzales 6, Dela Rosa 5, Medina 4, MIranda 2, Joson 0, Arenal 0, Celis 0, Villarin 0.
LPU 57 - Bravo 11, Barba 9, Guadana 7, Penafiel 7, Umali 5, Valdez 4, Larupay 3, Villagas 3, Omandac 3, Navarro 1, Montano 0.
Quarters: 18-16, 29-38, 43-49, 63-57.
—JMB, GMA News
