Kieffer Alas hit an improbable three-pointer to lift Phenom-New Zealand Creamery/Bluefire to an 89-87 victory over NCAA finalist Arellano University in the Ballout Sports Friendship Games, Thursday at Trevi Basketball Gym.
The win serves as a confidence boost ahead of their 2026 Smart-NBTC National Finals campaign.
With less than three seconds remaining and Phenom trailing by one, Alas received the inbound pass under heavy pressure from Prince Perez.
The UAAP Season 87 MVP sprinted to the opposite elbow and launched a miraculous one-handed three-pointer over Perez’s outstretched arms, giving Phenom the lead.
Arellano’s Axel Mendoza had a last-second attempt to force overtime but missed, sealing the win for Phenom.
Alas, an Ateneo commit, finished with 20 points on 7-of-17 shooting, along with three rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Drei Lorenzo contributed a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Bonel Sacro added 13 points.
“We take it one game at a time. I always remind them na huwag munang masyadong malayong tumingin dahil baka madapa,” said Phenom Championship Clinic founder Anthony Brodett, as the team sets its sights on claiming the NBTC crown next week.
Mark Esperanza, another Ateneo commit, is also set to join Phenom.
Arellano played without Sean Franco but was led by Laurence Pillas, who had 23 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Shawn Vergara added 18 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while Prince Perez finished with 15 points and eight rebounds.
