Philippine Sports News and Updates

MANILA -- Last year’s runner-up Jose Rizal went to its defense and skipper Mark Cagoco when John Wilson showed up sick as it maimed three-peat champion San Beda, 77-64, to jump from third to a share of second place in Season 85 of the NCAA at The Arena in San Juan City.

With Wilson the leading MVP candidate nursing a flu and high fever, Cagoco machine-gunned his way to 19 points including 11 in the final quarter while the Bombers held the Lions to their worst output of the season to nail their 13th win in 15 outings.

“I’ll tell you a secret, John Wilson has flu and fever in this game but he decided to play,” said Jose Rizal coach Ariel Vanguardia, who is seeking to steer the Kalentong-based school to its first title in 37 seasons.

“He (Wilson) played 27 minutes but he just lost steam, thankfully, Mark Cagoco was there to save us,” he added.

The Bombers also took away the Lions’ running game while taming the 6’8” American Sudan Daniel.

The 6’8” Daniel, who erupted his league high 31 points in a 96-81 win over Jose Rizal in the first round last August 10, dwarfed against the smaller but feisty Bombers and finished with only seven points.

“We know San Beda averages 90 to 91 points and they’re the best in fast breaks, remarkably, we held them to just 64 points and five points off transition,” said Vanguardia.

“We also made it difficult for Sudan Daniel, it also helped,” he added.

Marvin Hayes, a two-time Mythical First Team member, had 13 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three steals while Wilson, the MVP race leader, still chipped in 11 points he laced with three boards, two assists and two steals.