MANILA, Philippines - Rennel Montecillo drilled in a triple in the last 6.7 seconds as defending champion Rizal Technological University snatched a 92-90 overtime win over Olivarez College yesterday in the opener of the Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) men’s basketball finals at the Olivarez gym in Sucat.
Montecillo, held scoreless majority of the second half, hit the marginal trey after he was left open by the Olivarez defense that fell apart at endgame, enabling the Blue Thunder to steal the win and move closer to retaining the crown.
Game Two of the best-of-three series is set Thursday at the RTU gym in Mandaluyong.
Montecillo finished with 20 points.
Pruvil Bermudes’ driving shot off his own steal off Sandy Cenal in the last 2:20 allowed the Sucat-based cagers to pad their lead to 90-85.
But Jopet Quiro, who led RTU with 25 points, countered with a layup in the last 58.9 seconds and the Blue Thunder kept up the pressure in the ensuing play as Alvin Pronto scored underneath to make it a one-point game after another Olivarez botched play on the other end.
The Sea Lions, who drew a game-high 23 points from Ivan Moreno, actually blew wrapping it up in regulation after Bermudes buried a trey to give Olivarez a 80-74 lead with 42.6 seconds to go.
But Cenal hit back-to-back baskets and Quiro tied the count at 80 with two charities in the last 14.8 seconds to send the game into overtime.