The Saints’ L Rock Reyes pulls up for the contested jump shot against La Mesa Kusina in a Michelob Ultra Cup game at the Ada gym on Monday.
The Saints’ Melvin Manibusan extends for the fastbreak finish during a game against La Mesa Kusina in the Michelob Ultra Cup at the Ada gym on Monday.
THE Saints managed to defy all odds as they came from behind to stun La Mesa Kusina, 87-85, in the first overtime game of the Michelob Ultra Cup 2024 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Monday.
Both teams were evenly matched as the game was filled with several lead exchanges.
The Saints controlled the opening quarter as they stuck to their strength — the inside game. L Rock Reyes and Melvin Manibusan caused chaos inside the perimeter as the former fired short-ranged shots while the latter continued the punishment from underneath the rim to combine for 10 points.
JR Thongaram and Eli Aughenbaugh joined the onslaught by contributing buckets while Luizi Reyes scored the first triple to give their team a double-digit lead, 26-16.
But the second period was La Mesa Kusina’s time to shine.
Careful decisions made by La Mesa Kusina on the defensive end restricted the Saints’ output to just 10 points while La Mesa Kusina capitalized with teamwork, which quickly turned to an offensive rally led by JR Galang and Carl Aldan, who scored six and seven points, respectively, to turn the tables and seize a 10-point advantage, 46-36.
La Mesa Kusina seemed to have the win in the palm of their hands as they maintained a comfortable 60-49 lead in the third quarter.
But the Saints fought their way back within reach in the fourth and final quarter.
Their rally began as Thongaram found his second wind to connect seven straight points. Two more buckets by Jeff Yugummang further reduced the deficit.
While La Mesa Kusina answered from the free throw line from drawn fouls, the Saints continued to put in the work and eventually forced a deadlock, 73-73, after Leo Galarse drained two crucial charity shots to force the extra period.
Both teams scored throughout the five minutes of overtime and were in another deadlock, 85-85, with about seven seconds left on the clock.
But the Saints’ Galarse managed to slash through defenders and finished strong with a layup to put his team ahead by one possession, 87-85.
La Mesa Kusina had one final attempt, but failed to get the ball past half court.
The Brothers also celebrated a win that night as they powered past 670 Akkari Ruuw 2, 70-56.
Scores
Saints 87 – L Rock Reyes 16, JR Thongaram 16, Mevin Manibusan 10, Eli Aughenbaugh 11, Jeff Yugummang 11, Leo Galarse 8, Luizi Reyes 5, Trevor Ogumoro 4, Dominic Blas 4
La Mesa Kusina 85 – Jeff Victoria 16, Ervin Villarin 14, Carl Aldan 13, J JR Galang 8, Joe Sablan 8, Leo Apello 7, Francisco Guiterrez 6, JC Ferrari 5, Arfin Chua 4, Sean Apasan 4
