Vince Magbuhos shot the biggest and most dramatic shot yet of his career to lift Adamson University 74-71 over Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
With only three seconds remaining in overtime, Magbuhos unleashed a Hail Mary three that sealed the come-from-behind victory for the Soaring Falcons at the expense of the Blue Eagles, who even led as much as 19 points in the game.
The win marked Adamson’s first victory over Ateneo since September 9, 2018, during Season 81 and it was the best way for Magbuhos to celebrate his 24th birthday.
“Siguro ano, I just want to thank the Lord first of all kasi nag-pray ako kaninang umaga,” said Magbuhos who had 11 points, three rebounds and three assists in twenty-five minutes and thirty seconds of action on the floor.
“Ang hiniling ko sa Kanya, kung merong man Siyang ibibigay na gift ngayong araw na to, yung panalong ito. So, yun nga, tinupad Niya naman prayers ko so thank you Lord.”
Magbuhos’ late three was reminiscent of a previous Adamson game-winner from years back. It was similar to Lenda Douanga’s buzzer-beater against National University back in Season 82. Just like then, luck or destiny made it go in.
It was the best way to celebrate a birthday, turning water into wine in just a matter of seconds thanks to his quick decision-making. Indeed, a little prayer before anything goes a long way.
“Madaming pumapasok nun sa isip ko eh. Kung mapunta sa akin yung bola, ano gagawin ko? Ipapasa ko ba? Ititira ko ba? Di-dribble ko ba? Tapos gumawa si coach nung play. Hindi nagawa yung play actually,” Magbuhos said said.
“Pagkuha ko ng bola, wala na eh. Broken play na. I had to dribble and shoot it. Buti na lang pumasok. Thank you Lord.”
This win was Adamson’s second in a row this Season 86. Both its wins involved the Soaring Falcons outlasting their opponents in overtime. Magbuhos was the hero this time around while it was Joem Sabandal who saved the day versus University of Santo Tomas last Wednesday.
Adamson is demonstrating that it is a team that should not be taken lightly three games into its campaign. For Soaring Falcons Coach Nash Racela, this situation is something that his players must use to boost their confidence for the games ahead.
“He responded correctly to Ateneo’s defense,” said Racela. “As a group, I think they’re starting to believe in themselves. Before the, I don’t know what game, one of my notes sa board was really not to be surprised.
“When you do things correctly, don’t be surprised during the game, don’t be surprised that you’re leading, don’t be surprised that you’re winning diba? I hope with this game today, they start really believing in what they could do as a team and as individuals.”
