MANILA, Philippines – Jose Rizal University (JRU) pulled off a huge shocker over defending champions De La Salle University, 85-81, in the first game of the 2017 FilOil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup on Monday at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Veteran forward Gio Lasquety made the big plays down the stretch, as the Heavy Bombers held off a late charge by the Green Archers to secure the upset win, marking the first time that a La Salle squad featuring Ben Mbala has lost in the preseason tournament.

Lasquety scored seven points, none bigger than a baseline jumper with two minutes left that pushed JRU's lead back to four, 83-79, after the Green Archers roared back from a nine-point hole.

Tey Teodoro added 17 points, and three other players scored in double-digits for the Heavy Bombers, who weathered a 28-turnover game against La Salle's pressure defense.

"I kept on telling them prior to this game against La Salle, that we had nothing to lose and everything to gain," said JRU coach Vergel Meneses. "Marami kayong matutunan against La Salle because they are a champion team. Nag-respond naman sila."

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The Heavy Bombers pulled ahead by nine points, 81-72, thanks to a booming triple by Darius Estrella with 4:32 left to play. However, JRU floundered in the next two minutes as La Salle ramped up its pressure defense.

The Green Archers scored seven unanswered points, capped by a jumper by reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year Aljun Melecio, to make it a two-point game with 2:24 to go, 79-81.

"They were able to come back through our mistakes," said Meneses. "Instead of passing the ball, we ran away from what we are doing. Buti na lang, we recovered at the right time."

Fortunately for JRU, Lasquety was able to convert a baseline jumper for an 83-79 lead. Though Melecio answered with a lay-up with 1:43 left to again make it a two-point game, the Heavy Bombers foiled La Salle's repeated attempts to tie or take the lead.

JRU finally secured the ball with 12.8 seconds left following a blown lay-up by Mbala. Though Lasquety was able to make only one of two charities off a duty foul by La Salle, the Heavy Bombers secured the offensive board, and MJ dela Virgen pegged the final score at the line.

"This preseason tournament is good for us," said Meneses, whose team missed the Final 4 in the NCAA Season 92 tournament. "Makikita namin how far we go as a team."

Mbala led La Salle with 22 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks, while Melecio added 17 points but made only seven of 20 field goal attempts.

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