University of the Philippines’ “residency boys” took charge as Guang Ming College opened their 2025 BLIA Cup University Basketball Invitational campaign with a thrilling 96–88 comeback win over National Taiwan Normal University, Tuesday morning at the Fengshan Sports Arena in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Trailing 75–66 at the start of the fourth quarter, the quartet of Veejay Pre, Russel Ogana, James Payosing, and Rainer Maga ignited a blistering 13–0 run to turn the tide and grab a 79–75 lead.
Stephen Chibuzor’s split at the free-throw line tied the game at 75-all before Pre scored inside to give the Dragons a 77–75 advantage with six minutes remaining.
Ogana followed with a smooth floater, and Victor Akinyede added a free throw to push the lead to 80–75.
NTNU threatened late, cutting the deficit to just three, 89–86, but GMC responded with a strong finish.
Maga converted inside with 1:02 left for a 91–86 lead, and Payosing delivered the dagger basket in the final 40 seconds to seal the win.
Pre led the way with a dominant double-double — 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting along with 11 rebounds.
Maga added 19 points, four boards, three assists, and two steals. Payosing tallied 13 points and eight rebounds, while Ogana chipped in 10 markers.
Seven Gagate also contributed a solid effort with 11 points and six rebounds.
Guang Ming College will look to continue their momentum against Hou Chon Sports Club tomorrow at 6:20 PM.
Chuang Jiehung paced NTNU with 28 points, including five three-pointers.
