Birthday boy Vince Magbuhos drained the buzzer-beating off-the-bank triple from the top of the key to lift Adamson University past Ateneo de Manila University in overtime, 74-71, 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 to play in the extra period, giving one last chance for the Falcons.
Off the timeout, Magbuhos received the ball at the top of the three-point arc and made the game-winner as time expired for the win.
The final score was the only time Adamson led in the match to follow up last Wednesday’s 79-76 victory over University of Santo Tomas which also went to overtime.
“I just want to thank Lord. Nagpray ako kaninang umaga, hiniling ko sa kanya kung meron man siyang ibibigay na gift ay yung panalo na lang,” said Magbuhos.
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 to send the game to overtime, 69-69.
Opting to inbound at halfcourt not realizing they only have 14 seconds to run the play, the Blue Eagles were called for a shot clock violation, giving the Falcons a chance to win it in regulation.
But Joem Sabandal attempted the last shot in regulation for Adamson, missing his layup in the dwindling seconds.
The Soaring Falcons, who ended an eight-game losing streak against the Blue Eagles since 2018, raised their record to 2-1.
“When our 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 led the Soaring Falcons with 12 points while Cedrick Manzano had a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds to go with two blocks.
Magbuhos finished with 11 points on 3-of-5 clip from deep, none more important than the final one.
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 made nine points but shot a poor 3-of-14 from the field.
Both teams will be back on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena. Ateneo will face 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.
