JRU stuns Letran behind Justin Lozano, Sean Salvador

Published October 3, 2025 5:35pm

Updated October 3, 2025 5:35pm

Justin Lozano of JRU. (Photo: Thomas Villanueva)

Jose Rizal University stunned Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 73–69, to open its campaign in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament on Friday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

This also marked the first win of new JRU head coach Nani Epondulan in the league.

The Heavy Bombers led 56–49 before the Knights mounted a late fourth-quarter rally, cutting the deficit to 70–66.

Justin Lozano’s free throws, drawn from fouls committed by Jimboy Estrada, gave the Mandaluyong-based squad some breathing room. However, free throws from Jonathan Manalili and Kevin Santos trimmed the lead to just three. Lozano then split his final trip to the line, sealing the win for JRU.

Lozano led the Heavy Bombers with 17 points, three rebounds, three assists, and a steal, while Sean Salvador added 10 points, four assists, and a steal. Ivan Panapanaan nearly posted a double-double with 14 rebounds and eight points.

Estrada paced Letran with 14 points, while rookies Manalili and Chad Gammad chipped in 11 points apiece. Jun Roque and Kevin Santos added 10 each as Letran played without Deo Cuajao who is sick.

Letran (0–1) faces San Beda University (1–0) on Sunday, while JRU takes on Emilio Aguinaldo College on Tuesday.

Scores:

JRU 73 – Lozano 17, Salvador 10, Panapanaan 8, Peñaverde 7, Garupil 6, Laurenaria 6, Herrera 6, Benitez 5, Argente 4, Sarmiento 2, Castillo 2, Esguerra 0, Duque 0.

Letran 69 – Estrada 14, Manalili 11, Gammad 11, Roque 10, Santos 10, Tapenio 9, Rosilio 2, Omega 2, Yusi 0, Silorio 0, Buensalida 0.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News