Jose Rizal pounded it inside with impunity as it overpowered a hapless Perpetual Help, 83-58, yesterday to join San Sebastian and guest team Arellano, as the Bombers rout the Altas for share of NCAA lead at the helm of the 85th NCAA basketball tournament at The Fil-Oil Arena in San Juan City.
Big James Sena bullied his way to a season best 18 rebounds, 14 points, eight assists and a block to power the Bombers, who edged the Letran Knights in Saturday’s opener, 69-66, to a second straight victory and the top view.
"Our game plan is to really give the ball to James inside and it worked well," said Jose Rizal coach Ariel Vanguardia, who hopes to finally steer the Mandaluyong-based school to its first title in 72 years.
So dominating were the Bombers that they out-rebounded the Altas, now coached by former UAAP champion La Salle-Zobel mentor Boris Aldeguer, by a whopping 31 caroms, 52-21.
Their inside domination allowed the likes of seasoned guards John Wilson and Mark Cagoco to frolic from the outside by draining five and four booming triples, respectively. Wilson finished with 19 points while Cagoco had 16 points.
Marvin Hayes chipped in 11 points and plucked eight boards while sophomore guard Nate Matute joined the shooting spree by burying the 10th triple of Jose Rizal to finish with seven points in just six minutes.
Vanguardia said the win made up for their dismal efforts late in their escape triumph over the Knights.
"I really pounded them after our first game because I don’t want what happened in our first game when we nearly collapsed to occur again in this game," said Vanguardia. "I’m glad the boys responded to the challenge."
Raffy Ynion and rookie Chrisper Elopre, who incidentally tried out for Jose Rizal first before deciding to go to Perpetual, paced their team with 13 points apiece but the Altas had no answer to the Bombers’ interior strength.
The Bombers jumped the gun on the Altas early as they roar to a 23-15 lead at the end of the opening quarter.
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