FOR the first time in seven years, the MGC-New Life Christian Academy can call itself champion.
The New Lifers pulled off a come-from-behind 75-68 overtime win over St. Stephen's High School in Game Three of the Philippine Ching Yuen Athletic Association Season 11 juniors basketball finals on Monday at Uno High School.
Adam Uy sparked the rally that allowed MGC-NLCA to fight back from a 56-50 hole with 2:04 remaining, knocking down a three before Adrian Tan tied the game with a booming right corner three with 2.9 seconds to play in regulation.
Uy made sure to finish the job, scoring nine of his 24 points in the extra period, including a back-breaking three that made it a 69-64 lead in the final 1:13 before sealing the win with a gutsy drive and a pair of free throws.
He shot 4-of-17 from deep in the clincher, while also collecting five rebounds in this tournament supported by Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, with SSHS Alumni Batch ’74, Canyon Hotels and Resorts, H-Star Enterprises, Tai Chi Liniment, and Spalding serving as sponsors.
Tan added a double-double of 14 points and 11 boards, while Karl Bryan Yue got 12 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists in the New Lifers' second PCYAA crown since winning back in 2016-17.
It was a tough defeat for the Stephenians which leaned on Josh Cedrick Ong's 20 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and four steals.
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