The Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers etched their names in Philippine collegiate basketball history after defeating the defending NCAA champions San Beda Red Lions, 74-67, on Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan to secure their first-ever FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup championship. Behind a dominant second-half performance and clutch plays in the closing minutes, JRU completed a two-game sweep in the finals and finally captured the only major preseason crown that had long eluded the program.
MANILA, Philippines — The Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers finally reached a historic milestone after winning their first-ever FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup championship by defeating the defending NCAA champions San Beda Red Lions, 74-67, on Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The victory marked a memorable achievement for the Heavy Bombers as they claimed the preseason tournament crown for the very first time since the competition was established. Even more impressive, JRU completed a convincing two-game sweep in the championship series, proving that their success was no accident and that they are ready to become one of the strongest contenders in the coming NCAA season.
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For years, JRU had been chasing the elusive preseason title. Their closest opportunity came during the inaugural edition of the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup when they reached the championship round but settled for a runner-up finish after losing to the De La Salle Green Archers. This time, however, the Heavy Bombers made sure history would be different.
Leading the way was Finals Most Valuable Player Lawrence Mangubat, who delivered another outstanding performance when his team needed him the most. Mangubat finished with 27 points while also contributing three rebounds, three assists, and one steal. His offensive explosion and calmness during the game’s biggest moments helped JRU keep San Beda from making a successful comeback.
Mangubat showed why he deserved the Finals MVP honors as he repeatedly answered every attempt by the Red Lions to erase the deficit. Whether it was from beyond the three-point line, mid-range jumpers, or crucial free throws, he consistently provided the points that kept JRU in control.
Jahmir Eligado also played a huge role in securing the championship. He contributed 10 points and grabbed nine rebounds while providing the inside presence that allowed the Heavy Bombers to dominate key stretches of the contest.
The game itself remained closely contested during the opening two quarters. Both teams exchanged baskets, defensive stops, and momentum swings as neither side managed to build a comfortable lead. At halftime, JRU held only a slim 29-28 advantage, showing just how evenly matched both squads were.
Everything changed after the halftime break.
The Heavy Bombers came out with renewed energy and intensity in the third quarter. Their defense became more aggressive, forcing San Beda into difficult shots while creating easy scoring opportunities in transition.
JRU outscored the Red Lions, 23-12, during the third period, transforming a one-point halftime edge into a commanding 52-40 lead entering the final quarter.
That third-quarter run proved to be the turning point of the championship game.
Early in the fourth quarter, Eligado attacked the basket for a layup that stretched the Heavy Bombers’ advantage to 56-45 with over seven minutes remaining.
Despite facing an 11-point deficit, San Beda refused to surrender.
The defending NCAA champions slowly fought their way back through an 8-1 scoring run highlighted by a three-pointer from Zedjay Etulle. The run trimmed the lead to just four points, 57-53, and suddenly gave the Red Lions new life.
With momentum beginning to shift toward San Beda, Mangubat once again stepped up.
He knocked down a timely three-pointer before following it with a baseline jumper, quickly restoring JRU’s breathing room and preventing the Red Lions from completing their comeback.
San Beda continued to battle behind the efforts of Lawrence Hawkins and Sean Torculas, who combined for important baskets that repeatedly reduced the deficit. Every time the Red Lions threatened, however, the Heavy Bombers found an answer.
Both teams exchanged three-point shots in the closing minutes, keeping the game exciting for the crowd inside the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
With less than 40 seconds left and JRU protecting a six-point advantage, San Beda managed to force a turnover that gave them one final chance to make the game interesting.
Dan Marcelo drove toward the basket hoping for a quick score, but Chris Hubilla came up with one of the biggest defensive plays of the game.
Hubilla perfectly timed his block, denying Marcelo’s layup attempt. The ball eventually went out of bounds after making contact with Marcelo, allowing JRU to regain possession and move one step closer to the championship.
San Beda still attempted to extend the game by committing fouls, but Mangubat remained composed under pressure.
He calmly converted his free throws during the final seconds, while Ivan Panapanaan grabbed a crucial rebound that led to another trip to the free-throw line for Mangubat. Those final foul shots officially sealed the victory and ignited the celebration for the Heavy Bombers.
Aside from Mangubat and Eligado, several other JRU players made valuable contributions throughout the championship-clinching victory.
Allan Laurenaria and Jay Garupil each scored nine points, providing timely offense whenever San Beda attempted to tighten the contest.
Chris Hubilla showcased his all-around game by finishing with eight points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block. While his scoring was important, it was his defensive effort and playmaking that helped JRU control the pace of the game.
For San Beda, Zedjay Etulle led the scoring with 14 points and four rebounds, while Sean Torculas added 13 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Although the Red Lions displayed their championship experience by refusing to quit until the final buzzer, they were unable to overcome JRU’s balanced attack and disciplined execution.
The victory serves as a significant confidence booster for the Heavy Bombers as they prepare for the upcoming NCAA season. Winning a preseason tournament does not automatically guarantee success during the regular season, but defeating the reigning NCAA champions in convincing fashion sends a strong message that JRU is prepared to compete against the country’s top collegiate basketball programs.
For the coaching staff, players, alumni, and supporters of Jose Rizal University, the championship represents years of hard work, patience, and determination finally paying off.
After years of falling short, the Heavy Bombers have finally lifted the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup trophy for the first time in school history.
The triumph not only adds a historic championship to JRU’s basketball program but also gives the team valuable momentum and belief heading into the new collegiate campaign, where expectations will now be significantly higher after proving they have what it takes to defeat one of the NCAA’s most successful basketball teams./ aptikons