Jhon Panelo completed a rare four-point play with barely a second remaining, lifting Olivarez College to a thrilling 81-80 overtime victory over Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas. The win forced a sudden-death Game 3 in the PGFLEX-backed UCAL Season 7 Finals on Monday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Sealions seemed on the verge of defeat when Alvin Reyes’ free throw split gave the Dolphins an 80-77 lead with just 7 seconds left.
However, Panelo, receiving an outlet pass, drilled a long 3-pointer at the buzzer, sending their supporters into a frenzy.
With the momentum on their side, Game 3 is set for Thursday.
Panelo finished with 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, playing a key role in his team’s dramatic victory.
The Dolphins, on the other hand, were left to rue missed opportunities, having had chances to win the game in regulation but ultimately falling apart in the final moments.
Meanwhile, two-time champion Diliman College secured third place with an 86-83 come-from-behind win over Immaculada Concepcion College.
(C) UCAL
Despite finishing fourth, ICC’s Alfred Joseph Flores walked away with a huge smile after being crowned this season’s MVP. He accumulated 346 statistical points, beating teammate Edrian Ramirez (281) and Olivarez College’s Rodel Renon (203) for the top individual honor.
Flores also led the Mythical Five, which included Renon, Ramirez, PCU-D’s Ram Mesqueriola, and Diliman College’s Kent Laquibla. Olivarez’s Hakim Njiasse was named Best Foreign Student.
The Defensive Team consisted of Ramirez, Renon, PCU-D’s Joshua Diño, University of Batangas’ Jan Derick Villarez, and Manila Central University’s Dennis Laconsay.
