Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers completed a dominant run in the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup after defeating San Beda University Red Lions, 74-67, on Thursday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
The title marked JRU’s second preseason championship in two months after also winning the 2026 U-Belt Invitational Tournament last June, strengthening its credentials ahead of the NCAA Season 102.
Tournament Most Valuable Player Lawrence Mangubat led the Heavy Bombers with 27 points, three rebounds, and three assists. He sealed the victory by sinking two free throws with 10.5 seconds left.
“Ayaw ko lang matalo,” Mangubat said after the game.
Chris Hubilla, who was named to the tournament’s Mythical Team, anchored JRU’s defense with eight points, eight rebounds, and five assists. His emphatic block on San Beda’s Daniel Marcelo in the closing minute denied the Red Lions’ comeback bid.
JRU also received key contributions from its supporting cast. Jahmir Eligado produced 10 points and nine rebounds, while Stephen Garupil scored nine points, including two timely three-pointers in the fourth quarter. Defensive Player of the Year Allan Laurenaria added nine points, four rebounds, and two steals.
“From the start, yun naman ang tinatrabaho namin. Mentally naiready namin sila,” said JRU head coach Nani Epondulan.
The Heavy Bombers finished the preseason with only one loss and swept all three meetings against San Beda, including a 70-59 victory in Game 1 of the finals last Tuesday.
The championship also ended a two-decade wait for JRU, which previously finished runner-up in the inaugural Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup in 2006.
Mangubat and Hubilla were selected to the tournament’s Mythical Team along with San Beda’s Aldous Torculas, Letran’s Titing Manalili, and University of the Philippines’ Veejay Pre.
Zed Etulle paced the Red Lions with 14 points and four rebounds, while Torculas was held to 13 points on 3-of-11 shooting. Marcelo added 11 points in the loss. (AC)
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