JOSE Rizal University fired on all cylinders to stun Letran in its first game of the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament.

The Heavy Bombers avoided a late-game collapse to notch a 73-69 dub over the Knights at San Juan Arena on Wednesday.

JRU led Letran by as much as 16 before the Knights’ 23-point fourth quarter that almost spelled doom for coach Nani Epondulan and company.

“Lagi nating sinasabi na kung merong tatakbo dapat kami,” Epondulan said.

“Lagi ko ring sinasabi sa kanila na ibigay nila kahat kasi noon pa lang, nobody was expecting us kung anong magiging performance namin.”

Justin Lozano led JRU with 17 points, three rebounds and three assists while Sean Salvador helped their cause with 10 to his name.

Jimboy Estrada finished with 14 points, five rebounds and four assists with two steals to match but to no avail.

Newcomers Jonathan Manalili and Chad Gammad also finished with 11 points each in a losing effort.

The 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