MANILA, Philippines – Manu Magat hit a game-winning triple in the last 5.3 seconds, sending the Colegio de San Lorenzo Griffins to a 56-53 win over the PATTS College of Aeronautics Sea Horses in Game 1 of the 8th Universities and Colleges of Luzon Athletic Association (UCLAA) men’s basketball championship.
This put the Griffins a win closer to the crown when their best-of-three finals encounter ended Tuesday at the Marikina Sports Complex.
Magat wasn’t supposed to shoot the final basket. But he found an opening on the left corner after receiving a pass from Jun Gabriel.
His trey kept the Griffins unbeaten after nine games.
“He was on the right spot on that situation. He wasn’t supposed to shoot it. But he got an opportunity to win it for the team, and he took it,” said Griffins coach Bonnie Garcia.
They will have a chance to claim the crown from the Sea Horses if they win again in Game 2.
Meanwhile, the men’s and volleyball matches got under way, Feb. 12, Friday at the Technological Institute of the Philippines gymnasium in Quiapo, Manila.
Gabriel led the Griffins with 11 points, while James Alvarado and Rustom Borja fired nine points apiece.
John Paul Manansala showed the way with 15 points for the Sea Horses, while Mark Velasco made 8.
The Griffins fought back from four points down in the last three minutes, with attacks from Alvarado tying the match, 51-all, in the last 1:12.
After Manansala scored on a jumper, Gabriel’s putback with 35.5 seconds tied the game for the last time, 53-all.
PATTS had a chance to force overtime, but Aaron Yambao managed to block Manansala’s triple at the buzzer.