Harry Herrera Leads JRU to Victory Over LPU, Ending Five-Game Skid

In a significant turnaround for the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers, Harry Herrera showcased an exceptional performance, leading his team to a 71-64 victory against the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) in the 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on June 23, 2025. This win not only marked the end of a five-game losing streak for JRU but also improved their overall record to 2-5, while LPU fell to 1-4 in the tournament.

Herrera, a standout player who previously played for the San Sebastian Staglets, delivered a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds, underscoring his vital role in the match. According to JRU’s head coach, Mark Herrera, “Harry's performance was crucial in our game plan. His ability to score and rebound effectively gave us the edge we needed.”

The game, held at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, saw the Heavy Bombers take a commanding lead, with veteran guard Shawn Argente contributing significantly. Argente managed to escape two defenders to score a layup, extending JRU's lead to 69-54 with just 2:48 left in the game. However, the Pirates launched a comeback attempt led by John Barba, who, despite being scoreless for most of the game, managed to score five points in a crucial 10-0 run that narrowed the gap to 69-64 in the final seconds. Coach Herrera noted, “We had to remain focused even when the Pirates pushed hard towards the end. It was a test of our resilience.”

Argente, coming off the bench, added 19 points and two assists, while Jay Garupil contributed with nine points, seven assists, three rebounds, and two steals. The collective effort of the team was instrumental in overcoming the challenges posed by LPU, which was paced by Joshua Moralejo's 13 points and Simon Peñafiel's nine points.

This match not only signifies a crucial point in JRU's season but also highlights the competitive spirit inherent in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup. The outcome could reshape the trajectory for both teams as they move forward in the tournament. Looking ahead, Coach Herrera expressed cautious optimism, stating, “If we can build on this momentum, we could turn our season around.”

The Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup continues to be a pivotal platform for collegiate basketball teams in the Philippines, showcasing emerging talents and providing valuable competition ahead of the official UAAP season. As teams refine their rosters and strategies, the implications of this match could resonate throughout the remainder of the tournament, making every game a critical step towards achieving their respective goals.