JRU takes Group A lead after overtime win against Perpetual Help

José Rizal University (JRU) secured solo first place in Group A of the NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball Tournament following a 72-70 overtime victory against the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA. The win improves the Heavy Bombers' record to 7-2, allowing them to bounce back from a recent loss to the Letran Knights.

Allen Laurenaria provided the decisive plays, scoring JRU’s final two baskets in the extra period. With only 1.5 seconds remaining in overtime, Laurenaria converted an offensive rebound and putback to seal the win after LA Casinillo of Perpetual Help had tied the game at 70-all with a triple.

Perpetual Help, now at 2-7 in Group B, suffered its sixth consecutive loss and its third in overtime. The game, held at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, saw Perpetual lead by as many as seven points in the fourth quarter before JRU mounted a comeback to force the extra period.