Showing steely resolve, CSB’s William Johnston (right) challenges the defense put up by JRU center James Sena (left) during their NCAA game on Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan. JRU won, 85-75. (ALI VICOY)

Games on Friday
(The Arena, San Juan)
10:00 a.m. – Perpetual vs EAC (Jrs)
11:45 a.m. – Arellano vs Letran (Jrs)
2 p.m. – Perpetual vs EAC (Srs)
4 p.m. – Arellano vs Letran (Srs)

John Wilson knows very well when to take charge for his team, and when he’s hot, one would think he’s a Superman — just like last Wednesday.

With two key players hobbled by injuries and another one at sickbay, the sweet-shooting Wilson put on another dazzling show of marksmanship, scoring a career- and tournament-high 48 points as Jose Rizal University survived the spirited challenge of College of St. Benilde, 95-85, to boost it semis bid in the 85th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The PBL veteran was so awesome he posted several firsts in the league, including the highest scoring output by an individual in more than three decades.

The 48 points by Wilson turned out to be the second best since the prodigious Lim Eng Beng of then La Salle exploded for 55 points in 1974. La Salle was a former of the league before but left the country’s oldest collegiate league in 1980. The Archers joined UAAP in 1986.

Wilson’s heroics came just at the right time as center James Sena and forward Marvin Hayes played limited minutes because of foot injuries while Ildefonso Bulangis was out due to fever.

Despite the situation, Wilson and the rest of JRU squad willed their way to post their 9th win in 11 starts that cemented their bid to clinch a Final Four berth.

The 6-foot-2 Wilson was brilliant from the three-point zone, making 9 of 15 tries, thus bettering his previous mark of six which he established in the first round.

Wilson’s exploits overshadowed three-time defending champion San Beda’s breezy 94-63 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College.

The Red Lions turned their game into a virtual workout, scoring almost at will to lead by as many as 30 points enroute to their 10th win in 11 starts.

So dominating were the Red Lions that all 15 players field by coach Frankie Lim scored at least one point.

David Marcelo led the well-balanced attack with 14 markers, while Garvo Lanete had 12 and Sudan Daniel had 11 as the Red Lions remained at solo second spot, just half a game behind league leader San Sebastian College which sport 11-0.

Even JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia was so delighted with Wilson’s performance that he compared him to NBA star Tracy McGrady.

“Wilson had a (Tracy) Mcgrady-like performance today,” said Vanguardia. “But I told him to to play like (Kobe) Bryant because he won the championship.”

To prove a point that he’s an all-around player, Wilson grabbed 17 boards – another personal high – aside from posting three steals and an assist in 37 minutes of action.

The scores:
First Game (Srs)
JOSE RIZAL 95 — Wilson 48, Hayes 10, Agas 10, Cagoco 6, Lopez 4, Apinan 4, Sena 4, Njei 3, Matute 3, Gabriel 3, Kabigting 0.
ST. BENILDE 85 — De Guzman 23, Johnston 13, Manlapaz 9, Urra 8, Tajonera 7, Montecastro 6, Dalanon 5, Abulucion 5, Umlas 4, Manalac 3, Tan 2, Dela Paz 0, Argamino 0.
Quarters: 30-14, 56-41, 79-61, 95-85.

Second Game (Srs)
SAN BEDA 94 — Marcelo 14, Lanete 12, Daniel 11, Gamalinda 10, Dela Rosa 10, Pascual 6, Caram 6, Lim 6, Taganas 4, Tirona 4, Solera 4, Soliman 4, Tecson 2, Villanueva 1.
EAC 63 — Mendoza 14, Cubo 12, Diolanto 12, Yaya 8, Ong 7, Del Rosario 4, Jabaybay 3, Chiong 2, Liwag 1, L. Yaya 0, Sablan 0.
Quarters: 25-8, 43-20, 69-36, 94-63.