MANILA, Philippines - Charles Chong scored all his seven points in the last quarter, including the game-winning drive that lifted Uno High School to a pulsating 54-53 victory over St. Jude Catholic School in their sudden death for the Juniors division crown in the first Philippine Ching Yuen Athletic Association (PCYAA) at the Uno High School Gym in Manila last Friday.
Chong’s endgame heroics came after St. Jude’s Francis Go wilted under tremendous pressure and missed two free throws with just 13.5 seconds left, giving Uno the chance to plot their final play for the win.
With no time left, St. Jude’s Earl See tried to turn the game around but his desperation shot from way out failed to hit its mark, triggering a frenzied celebration from the Uno camp and its supporters.
The title win was a fitting farewell present for Uno coach Milton Yu who is set to retire after 30 years of service to the school which entered the finals enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage after completing a 10-game sweep of the double-round elims of the event sponsored by Boysen Paints, Valentino Watches and Clocks, Sony Xperia, Duralite Sandals and Nougat Peanut Bar.
St. Jude, however, hacked out a thrilling 63-60 triple overtime win last Wednesday to force the winner-take-all match.
The Judenites actually took control in the early going and surged to a 31-19 lead late in the first half.
But the Uno cagers refused to give up and fought back in the third before Chong stepped up in the fourth to anchor the team’s spirited charge. Backing up Chong were Clinton Chua, Vic Jason See and Kyle Christian Tan.
The two teams battled to several lead changes and four deadlocks in the fourth, the last at 50 before Chong took over and presided the team’s fiery windup.
Chua led Uno with 17 points highlighted by two triples while See and Tan chipped in 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
Renzel Yongco paced the host squad 20 points and six boards.