JOSE Rizal University and College of Saint Benilde bested separate foes to bolster its Final Four bids, while San Beda absorbed its first back-to-back defeats yesterday in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The Bombers topped upset-conscious Arellano University, 79-74, while the Blazers turned back struggling University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 77-73, to stretch their winning streak to three games.

The Red Lions, meanwhile, dropped a 67-75 decision to San Sebastian.

JRU moved to solo third with a 8-3 record, while Benilde moved in a tie with San Beda at 8-4.

Despite the significant win that also boosted the Bombers’ chances of securing a twice-to-beat bonus in the Final Four, coach Louie Gonzalez continued to challenge his squad by asking them to move forward from this game not just as individuals but to grow as part of the team.

“My challenge to the team right now is to see them as a team. We started as individuals, and they have grown. With Patrick Ramos and Jonathan Medina back, for us to strengthen our campaign this season, I want to see them grow as a team,” said Gonzalez.

The Altas and the Chiefs dropped to 4-7 and 2-9 cards, respectively.

The Stags, meanwhile, kept their slim Final Four hopes afloat with their fourth win in 12 games.

The scores:

First game

JRU (79) – Medina 16, Ramos 15, Dela Rosa 12, Guiab 11, De Leon 7, Miranda 6, Sarmiento 4, Delos Santos 2, Pabico 2, Argente 2, Sy 2, Arenal 0, Barrera 0.
Arellano (74) – Talampas 19, Valencia 16, Capulong 11, Mallari 10, Geronimo 4, Ongotan 4, Villarente 2, Sunga 2, Yanes 2, Dayrit 2, Dela Cruz 2.
Quarterscores: 16-22; 41-42; 62-62; 79-74

Second game

SSC-R (75) – Re. Gabat 18, Calahat 16, Are 14, Felebrico 12, Desoyo 7, Escobido 3, Sumoda 2, De Leon 2, Una 1, Shanoda 0, Castor 0.
San Beda (67) – Puno 16, Cortez 15, Tagle 9, Payosing 7, Gonzales 6, Jopia 6, Cuntapay 5, Alfaro 3, Llanera 0, Visser 0, Gallego 0.
Quarterscores: 13-13; 36-28; 60-61; 75-67

Third game

Benilde (77) – Carlos 19, Oczon 18, Gozum 15, Corteza 7, Cajucom 6, Sangco 4, Turco 4, Marcos 2, Mara 2, Marasigan 0.
Perpetual (73) – Roque 30, Ramon 14, Pagaran 11, Nitura 9, Abis 5, Omega 4, Barcuma 2, Ferreras 1, Gelsano 0, Boral 0, Orgo 0, Nunez 0, Sevilla 0.
Quarterscores: 20-14; 36-26; 55-43; 77-73.