JRU’s Lozano ‘conscious’ after nasty fall
Jose Rizal University got a lift beyond the scoreboard after its 66-63 win over defending champion Mapua in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament Friday at San Juan Arena.
Heavy Bombers head coach Nani Epondulan confirmed that Justin Lozano was awake and conscious following a scary fall late in the game.
“While we were singing our school hymn, they told us he was already awake in the ambulance and with our medical team,” Epondulan said.
Lozano collapsed at the 2:08 mark of the fourth quarter after chasing down Mapua’s Cyrus Nitura on a fastbreak. He fell awkwardly on his head and suffered seizures on the floor, alarming both teammates and medical staff.
He was stretchered out after recording 13 points, three rebounds and two steals.
“Seeing him like that made me teary-eyed. It felt like I was the one who got hurt,” Epondulan said.
“I told the team to get the win for Justin.”
Lozano is expected to miss time as he undergoes concussion protocols, but Epondulan remains hopeful others can step up.
“It’s a big loss, but it opens the door for others to prove why they’re on this team,” said the former NCAA MVP.
JRU improved to 4-4 in Group B.
