Bombers unload on crippled Stags

Jose Rizal U pounced on the absence of San Sebastian’s top gun Leo Najorda as it finally snapped a six-game skid with a 67-55 victory yesterday in the 81st NCAA men’s basketball tournament without a win.

The Bombers rode on a fiery second half charge to turn what had been a close contest into a rout as they disposed of the Stags, who reeled to their fourth setback in seven games.

Najorda, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) two years ago, served his one-game suspension for committing a "disqualification" foul on Rommel Balboa in San Sebastian’s game against Perpetual Help last Monday.

"I’m shocked because we were not expecting we could beat San Sebastian," said JRU coach Chris Calilan. "Najorda’s absence was really a big factor but I give credit to all my players for playing hard."

Earlier, Perpetual Help System DALTA ended its own first round elimination campaign on a high note as it thwarted San Beda College, 68-63.

Playmaker Khiel Misa scored a game-high 20 points and made two big plays down the stretch to power the Altas to what was only their second victory in seven outings.

Down by six points, 55-61, with 5:52 left to play, the Las Piñas-based squad came through with a decisive 13-2 run, which Misa capped with an unmolested drive after coming up with a steal off Eddie Soriano.

"I told the boys that we need to win if we want to keep us in contention for a Final Four slot. I’m very happy that they responded to the challenge," said Perpetual coach Bai Cristobal.

Alex Angeles and Eduardo Tecson led the Red Lions, who dropped to 1-6, with 14 points apiece.

In the junior play, defending champion San Beda Red Cubs scored a mind-boggling 143-30 win over the Perpetual Altalettes to claim the solo lead at 5-1. The Altalettes went down to their sixth straight loss.

The Red Cubs more than matched the Altalettes total output right in the first quarter, scoring 39 while holding their rivals to only five points.