By: Leiniel Santos
With the game on the line and mere seconds left on the clock, Jay M Leal refused to let Ateneo’s season end in heartbreak.
The Blue Eagles’ rising big man from Carmona, Cavite delivered in the clutch, sinking a game-winning layup to lift Ateneo de Manila University to a thrilling 70-69 victory over the University of the Philippines Integrated School in their final game of the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ Basketball Tournament.
Trailing by one with just three seconds remaining, Leal drove to the basket and converted a crucial shot.
He gave Ateneo the lead and sealed an emotional farewell win for the team’s graduating seniors.
Leal put on a stellar performance, recording a double-double with 15 points, 16 rebounds, and three assists. He shared the scoring spotlight with Alfonso Tan, who also tallied 15 points, along with two rebounds and one assist.
But more than the numbers, his biggest motivation was honoring his seniors with a victory in their final UAAP game.
“Gusto ko talaga manalo kasi para rin sa kanila na ga-graduate, para maganda naman ‘yung paglabas nila sa team,” the 17-year-old Leal said.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Despite his heroics, Leal credited the leadership of his captains for their unwavering support.
“Anlaking tulong nitong dalawang ‘to kaya naiyak ako kanina. ‘Di ma-imagine na mawawala na sila sa team,” he shared, referring to co-captains Chris Urbina and TJ Delos Santos.
Delos Santos, in turn, expressed pride in Leal and the entire team for their growth and perseverance throughout the season.
“Proud ako kay Chris, kay Jay M, especially those people that shined today. Proud ako na nakita ko ‘yung achievements nila all throughout the season, and I could not have it another way pa,” Delos Santos said.
Although the Blue Eagles managed only three wins this season, head coach Ford Arao underscored the significance of ending the campaign on a high note, hoping to carry that momentum forward.
“Ang pinaka-importante is natapos namin ‘yung season with a win, and hopefully, madala namin ‘yung momentum na ‘to going into the next season,” Arao said.
