Pelicans pull escape act over Recolletos

University of Assumption-Pampanga overcame a horrendous free throw shooting and double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter to pull off a thrilling 82-81 win over University of San Jose-Recolletos yesterday in the Sweet 16 action of the Champions’ League at the FEU gym.

Jayson Mendoza sank the marginal basket with four seconds to play and Marvin Yambao picked up his seventh steal with a second left to preserve the victory.

"Thank God he was not fouled," said UAP coach Alexis Gonzales referring to Mendoza’s winning play.

The Pelicans missed 14 of their 18 foul shots in the payoff period, including their last five trips from the line. They trailed 57-67 early in the fourth.

After Herbert Arellano’s basket gave Recolletos an 80-76 lead, Mendoza lost the ball at the baseline and things started to look bleak for the Pelicans.

But Yambao stepped in the Recolletos’ way getting a steal and feeding Alexander Bognot for a breakaway slam.

In the other game, the University of Visayas outclassed San Beda College, 77-69.

The scores:

First Game:

UAP 82 — Yambao 16, Duyag 15, Ruiz 14, Bognot 12, Mendoza 8, Dizon 7, Valerio 3, Sinque 2, Magpayo 2, Bangal 2, Galura 1, Vergara 0.

USJ-R 81 — Saladaga 25, Larong 21, Arellano 11, Justiniani 8, Bensi 6, Allawan 4, Calinawan 2, Betanio 2, Gabas 2, Arpay 0.

Quarterscores: 16-15, 36-42, 57-61, 82-81

Second Game:

UV 77 — Bucao 15, Apabon 14, Raneses 13, Quinahan 12, Lipana 8, Rodriguez 8, Binongo 7, Sevilla 0.

SBC 69 — Paterno 17, Cordero 15, Bombeo 11, Angeles 10, Bughao 7, Webber 3, Hudencial 2, Aceño 2, Antonio 2.

Quarterscores: 25-20; 35-42; 51-53; 77-63