Ace rookie fires 5 treys as Bombers rap Altas

MANILA, Philippines — Rookie Shawn Argente ran a three-point shooting clinic as he powered Jose Rizal University to a 71-65 victory over University of Perpetual Help yesterday and straight to No. 2 in NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

The former Letran Squire dropped five thunderous triples to finish with a team-best 17 points in leading the Bombers to their fourth win in five matches and just a game behind the league-leading Lyceum of the Philippines U Pirates, who are unbeaten in five starts.

It was easily the best game for the newbie Bomber as he capped his impressive scoring game with three rebounds, three assists and two steals.

More importantly, he stepped up when JRU’s leading scorer, Agem Miranda, couldn’t find his rhythm and wound up with just six points.

“It was a collective team effort,” said JRU coach Louie Gonzales.

Joshua Guiab also came through and made a big shot in a decisive 8-0 blitz that enabled the Bombers to seize the lead for good after trailing by a hairline, 57-56, midway in the final canto.

Cyrus Nitura led all scorers with 19 points, including a bucket that gave the Altas that 57-56 edge.

In the other game, Miguel Oczon exploded for 29 points as College of St. Benilde trounced San Sebastian, 87-72, and improved to 2-3. The Stags fell to 1-3.