JRU shuns Letran; Knights seek path to redemption

Rich Lanier L. Maglente 

The JRU Heavy Bombers overpowered the CJSL Knights in a stunning match-up, 86-90, showcasing: renowned tenacity from their last loss that fueled their relentless teamwork and strategic play taking the driver's seat for their winning streak at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, October 26, 2024.

Unfortunately, the sun did not rise from the Knights’ side as they fell short. Despite that, Jimboy Estrada top-billed for the team with 29 points while Javier Jumao-as parlayed a hot start in the first quarter, and Miller also sealed the deal by contributing attacking via a crossover off-foot finish. 

The Letran Knights struggled to capitalize on their strong start led by Jumao-as in the first half, unable to maintain momentum against the Heavy Bombers. Despite an early lead, they could not counter JRU's baseline play and transition strategy. 

Joshua Guiab of JRU burst into action and ignited the Heavy Bombers offense with consecutive 3-pointer shots and a smooth counter against the sleeping giant of CJSL, Kevin Santos, 22-28. 

Santos acquired 2 offensive fouls in the first quarter, failing to administer the “JK” tandem of the CJSL: Kevin and Jimboy. 

Standing from a gritty standpoint, the Letranites powered through the second quarter, intensifying their defense as Miller, Estrada, and Jumao-as took charge. With a series of well-executed crossovers, off-footing finishes, and lay-ups, the Knights seized the lead by 33-31.

With the stadium fueled by heat, the Heavy Bombers have committed 17 fouls in total from the first quarter to the second quarter. CJSL has been utilizing that by making the free throws which lead to 40-34. 

With Miller and Estrada in the zone, Letran is back on top and repossessed the hiked lead, ending the round halftime with 48-45.

The third  quarter is the battle of who has the most composure since both teams are in danger of who will barge into the final four. Continuing the domination from the outset, CJSL propelled past Heavy Bomber's tactics, effectively disrupting their chance to score an equilibrium, 54-51. 

However, amidst the ongoing drive of the Senior Knights and with Guiab back in the game after getting benched because of personal fouls, players from JRU successfully tied against the Colegio, 58-58 at 2:08 minutes of the third quarter, and ultimately ending at 61-63. 

John Arjente suffered from cramps in the fourth quarter and played for 22 minutes in the game with JRU at 9:04 minutes. 

As the game approached its final moments, Letran seized a critical opportunity to take a 3-point lead with a clutch shot from Montecillo. But at the same time, Mart Barrera of the Heavy Bombers administered his performance on the perimeter with a one-handed shot, achieving the career high of 18 points, 65-62.

Cuajao of the Knights quickly recovered the gap with the zone-buster as he secured back-to-back points hiking the score of CJSL to 73-70. 

Guiab then relayed the match to Barrera, who surged with an unmatched prowess to propel Jose Rizal University towards victory, achieving a career-high of 22 points and 2 rebounds in the process. Unable to recover, the Knights watched as the Heavy Bombers secured the win, improving their standings and saving them from a disheartening 3-10 record. 

At the last seconds of the buzzer, the game ended in a 90-86 finish in favor of the Heavy Bombers.

According to Coach Louis Gonzales of JRU, “Before the game we were facing a big adversity, buti ‘yung mga players ko nag-respond right now more than the opponent. I think it’s better for us to come together in this game. We’re fighting for our lives right now, kahit sino yung kalaban we will going to come out strong.” 

Just stumbling after losing their last game, the Letran Knights are destined to face the EAC Generals, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, San Juan City.