BY MICHAEL JUGADO and ABBY TORALBA
WHAT a difference a lengthy 18-day break due to COVID-19 infections on the team made for Jose Rizal University.
After a five-game winning streak, the Heavy Bombers now hope to right the ship and halt a three-game slide.
“These are the things that we’re still trying to cope kasi hindi rin naman talaga biro iyong nangyari sa amin lalo na iyong anxiety, the worries,” Gonzalez said after his squad absorbed a 49-74 thumping at the hands of Mapua University two days ago. “Ang impact sa amin noong nangyari is more of mental, which is to me, iyon iyong lakas ng team ko, iyong mental toughness namin.”
“Ang biggest concern ko is maibalik ko iyong focus noong mga players ko na alam naman nila na hindi kami nagdwe-dwell sa five-game winning streak namin,” he added.
JRU tries to snap out of its funk when it battles hapless Emilio Aguinaldo College today in the 98th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The curtain-raiser is set at noon before Arellano University tackles San Sebastian College at 3 p.m.
The Bombers will draw strength from Ry dela Rosa, John Amores, Agem Miranda, Marwin Dionisio, and Joshua Guiab in their drive to improve their 5-5 mark.
The Generals absorbed a 64-72 loss to San Beda University last Tuesday that sent them to 1-12.
Allen Liwag, Adam Doria, Mac Balowa, JP Maguliano, Nat Cosejo, and JC Luciano will be relied upon by EAC.
JRU mauled the Generals 97-74 when they first met last Sept. 17.
The Chiefs, coming off a 63-76 setback to the Red Lions last Wednesday that dropped them to 5-7, will pin their hopes on Axel Doromal, Shane Menina, Joshua Abastillas, and Fil-Aussie big man Cade Flores.
Sporting a 4-6 record, the Golden Stags will go into the game on a high, having scored a 72-68 decision over the Bombers seven days ago.
Ichie Altamirano, Kenneth Villapando, Raymart Escobido, Alex Desoyo, and Romel Calahat will carry the fight for San Sebastian.
The Stags downed Arellano 60-51 in their first-round clash last Sept. 13.
