Birthday boy Vince Magbuhos drained the buzzer-beating off-the-bank, triple from the top of the key, lifting Adamson University past Ateneo de Manila University in overtime, 74-71, on Saturday in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Mason Amos had the chance to give the Blue Eagles the lead with 24.9 seconds, but he missed both of his free throws.
Matthew Montebon, in the ensuing play, could not take a shot as the ball was deflected by Sean Quitevis with 3.3 seconds left in the extra period, giving one last chance for Adamson.
Off the timeout, Magbuhos received the ball at the top of the three-point arc and made the game-winner as time expired, securing the win. The final score marked the only time Adamson led in the match.
“I just want to thank Lord. Nag-pray ako kaninang umaga, hiniling ko sa kanya kung meron man siyang ibibigay na gift ay yung panalo na lang,” said Magbuhos, who finished with 11 points on 3-of-5 shooting from deep, with none more important than the game-winner.
Down by as much as 19 in the first half and 10 in the fourth frame, Eli Ramos and Montebon scored the final seven points of the quarter for the Soaring Falcons, sending the game to overtime at 69-69.
Joem Sabandal attempted the last shot in regulation for Adamson but missed his layup.
The Soaring Falcons notched their second straight win, also beating University of Santo Tomas, last Wednesday 79-76, for a 2-1 record.
“When out game went into overtime, I huddled the boys and I told them, we just came from an overtime game so we are more experienced than them,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela to his wards before OT.
Ramos, a former Ateneo recruit, led the Soaring Falcons with 12 points, while Cedrick Manzano had a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds, along with two blocks.
Amos delivered 12 points, six rebounds, and two steals as the Blue Eagles fell to 1-2.
Kai Ballungay added 10 points and nine rebounds, while Chris Koon scored nine points but struggled with a poor 3-of-14 shooting from the field.
Both teams will be back on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena. Ateneo will face the University of the East at 1 p.m., while Adamson will cap the day against the Green Archers at 5 p.m.
The Scores:
Adamson 74 – Ramos 12, Manzano 12, Magbuhos 11, Hanapi 9, Yerro 8, Calisay 5, Montebon 5, Colonia 4, Anabo 3, Erolon 3, Sabandal 2, Ojarikre 0, Barasi 0.
Ateneo 71 – Amos 12, Ballungay 10, Koon 9, Nieto 9, Obasa 8, Brown 6, Gomez 6, Bongon 6, Espinosa 2, Credo 2, Quitevis 1, Chiu 0, Lazaro 0.
Quarterscores: 9-25, 29-44, 48-53, 69-69, 74-71.
