Philippine Sports News and Updates

The Jose Rizal University (JRU) Bombers relied on the 29-point explosion of John Wilson as it bombed a suddenly hapless Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 97-61, Friday to keep its hopes alive of snaring the twice-to-beat edge in the Final Four in Season 85 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at The Arena in San Juan City.

Wilson, who is tipped to win this year’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) plum for his all-around game all season long, had another MVP effort.

Aside from coming out with one of his best scoring efforts this year, Wilson continued to pile up statistics in other departments by adding 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.

In this particular game, that was what the Bombers needed to notch their 15th win in 18 elimination-round games this year.

“It’s an accomplishment for Jose Rizal to have won 15 games. It’s a school record and this makes it special for everyone of us,” said JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia.

JRU has a chance to finish with a tie with reigning three-peat titlist San Beda Red Lions (15-2) at No. 2 if the latter loses to current pace-setter San Sebastian Stags (16-1) on Monday.

If this happens, the Bombers and the Lions would have to fight it out in a playoff game for the No. 2 seeding and the remaining twice-to-beat incentive on Oct. 14.

Otherwise, it would be the Stags and the Lions figuring in a playoff for the top seeding and the right to face the Letran Knights in the Final Four, needing just a win to advance to the best-of-three championship.

It was Wilson who set the tone for the rout as he dropped 7 each in the first and second quarters when the Bombers went to the halftime break comfortably ahead, 54-29.

Jose Rizal never wavered as they kept a 73-45 upper hand after the third period before Wilson struck with a 12-point barrage in the final canto to zap the fight out of the dizzied Generals.

Cardinals drown Blazers, finish decently

Earlier, Mapua relied on the 19-point effort of Erwin Cornejo as it trounced St. Benilde, 68-56, to go out with a fifth straight triumph and sixth overall against 12 losses this year.

The Blazers absorbed their 12th setback against six victories.

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