The JRU Heavy Bombers pulled if off for a sudden death match after winning game 2 of the 84th NCAA Men's Senior Division finals against the 2-time champ San Beda Red Lions last Friday, 62-60.
Should we call it a fair game? This is not for my being a Red Lions fanatic. I do acknowledge there have been too many mistakes and wrong decisions on their end (a lot would blame it on poor Pong Escobal). Not to mention, the Heavy Bombers gave a really good defense and outstanding offense. But, it's very evident how the referees took charge in the game 2 of NCAA season 84 finals by being inconsistent with their calls (which placed Sam Ekwe and Jay-R Taganas out of the court in the crucial 4th qtr) . The JRU Heavy Bombers tried to give a good defense but it turned out too physical. And this is really what happened. If truth will only be told.
Too physical I said because NJei of JRU was too clingy and so were most of the Bombers but too many instances of fouls were not called in favor of the Lions. While a number of lame fouls were called in favor of JRU since the start of the game. Yeah, it's JRU's strategy and well, it's part of the game. So, I can only ask, should this be considered a clean win for the Bombers? Or rather a win out of frustration to stretch their season?
No doubt, they are good. I am not questioning it. They have exceptional defense and consistent key players like Cagoco, Sena, Nocom (MVP in this game), Bulangis and Wilson. They're truly commendable. Nonetheless, their win was aided by court authorities. Yes, they'd successfully shut down the offense and held down most of the Lions' scorers. They're pesky and aggressive and not to mention, too touchy. They're all over the Red Lions' bodies, for crying out loud! So, although, Escobal made palpable errors, come on! Who can survive a game like this when it appeared more like a boxing bout for him?!
A defense play such as the Heavy Bombers' can really test an opponents' composure and focus NOT because of their knack, but because they are able to get away with their strong nudges. No fouls will be called no matter how battered the opponent already is. In addition, how lucky fouls are called in their favor with just the slightest touch from the Lions. The foul call which put Ekwe on the bench was too lame. His hands were raised and he was still. Can't blame Frankie Lim for that pointless technical, although, he fired it a lil too late. It should've came earlier in the game before the Lions became psychologically affected.
In my opinion, it's not a question of their (the Lions) composure or maturity. That's too much to ask. There's nothing tougher than frustration caused by an outer force. Truth is, it's not the defense of the Bombers that destroyed their focus. It's the thought that winning is not on their hands but on the hands of another who has the power to manipulate who SHOULD win.
Quarterscores: 19-14; 30-28; 45-44; 62-60.
Jose Rizal (62) -- Nocom 16, Wilson 13, Sena 11, Bulangis 7, Cagoco 4, Hayes 4, Njei 4, Pradas 3, Lopez 0, Kabigting 0.
San Beda (60) -- Escobal 16, Ekwe 15, Menor 9, Taganas 5, Hermida 4, Marcelo 4, Tirona 3, Gamalinda 2, Pascual 2.
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