West pulls off epic comeback to frustrate East in NCAA All-Star game

WEST All-Star team pulled off an epic comeback to stun the East All-Star, 89-88, in the NCAA All-Star game at The Arena in San Juan on Friday.

Staring at a 79-86 deficit in the final 1:28 of the game, West came to life behind Jonathan Grey, who poured in eight points, including back-to-back triples, sandwiched by a Tey Teodoro basket within a seven-second stretch to threaten at 87-88.

Mark Cruz then capped the rally by draining two of three charities after he was fouled by Jamil Ortouste while heaving a desperation three-pointer at midcourt with barely a second remaining.

“Sinunod lang namin ang sinabi ni coach na ang nananalo ang nag-e-enjoy, kaya go hard lang kami lalo na sa fourth period,” said Grey, who was named as the All-Star Most Valuable Player.

Grey finished with 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting, two rebounds, three assists, and a steal, while Cruz, winner of the three-point shootout earlier, had 10 points along with Allwell Oraeme for West All-Star.

“Sobrang saya ko kasi first time sa All-Star, ang saya ng experience,” he said.

Teodoro had 17 points for East All-Star, Jiovani Jalalon had 12, while Bright Akhuetie and Bradwyn Guinto chipped in 10 apiece.

The scores:

WEST ALL-STARS (89) - Grey 20, Cruz 10, Oraeme 10, Gabayni 8, Mejos 8, Munsayac 7, Nambatac 6, Alanes 4, Ongteco 4, Baltazar 3, Saavedra 3, Racal 2, Onwubere 2, Serrano 2, Nieles 0.

EAST ALL-STARS (88) - Teodoro 17, Jalalon 12, Akhuetie 10, Guinto 10, Ylagan 6, Dela Cruz 6, Calisaan 6, Koga 5, Ortuoste 5, Salado 4, Sorela 4, Dela Paz 2, Abdulwahab 1, Nicholls 0, Dagangon 0.

Quarterscores: 19-14; 41-38; 59-63; 89-88.