MANILA, Philippines – Jherome Ejercito hit a buzzer-beater at midcourt as newcomer Bureau of Customs kept its win run going, pulling off a thrilling 93-92 victory over House of Representatives in the fifth UNTV Cup at the Pasig City Sports Center over the weekend.
Ejercito grabbed the spotlight as HOR’s Kiko Adriano flubbed the last end of his charities with 3.2 seconds left with the former Adamson player sinking that desperation heave to the delight of the BOC officials and supporters, including playing coach Kenneth Duremdes and BOC commissioner Nicanor Faeldon.
The victory, BOC’s third straight, negated Egay Billiones’ tournament-high 45-point effort, including a triple that gave HOR a 91-90 lead.
The win likewise overshadowed Bureau of Fire Protection’s 78-74 upset over defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines in Group A elims.
BFP now shares the lead with Malacañang at 2-0.
The Malacañang Kamao proved too much for the Senate Defenders, scoring an 82-54 rout with former UST star Christian Luanzon leading the way with 15 points.