Photo by Bong Lozada/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—His team believed in him just in the nick of time.
Jon Lucas, of Got to Believe fame, spoiled his co-star’s offensive display as he sunk the game-winner between Burlington and Biogesic, 90-89, in the topsy turvy Hoops for Hope, which pitted collegiate basketball stars and ABS-CBN talents against each other at the Mall of Asia Arena Sunday evening.
With Burlington down by a single-point, 89-88, against Daniel Padilla’s Biogesic in the charity game, Lucas was in the right place to clean up the mess inside the paint and swished in the game-winner with 6.7 seconds left.
Hoops for Hope was held for the benefit of two charities, Children Haus and World Vision Philippines, which both help children fight against debilitating sickness.
Before Lucas’ heroics, Biogesic looked to have things in the bag with an entertaining 9-1 run as Ateneo Blue Eagle Kiefer Ravena threw down three dunks and De La Salle Green Archer hit a three that put the slate at 84-80.
Despite the loss, Biogesic had the star power that filled MOA Arena with shrieks as Padilla, Ravena, Teng, University of the East Red Warriors Roi Sumang and Bong Galanza, Far Eastern University Tamaraw Mark Belo, Adamson Falcon Matthew Aquino and Mapua Cardinal Andetti Stevens joined forces with JV Gayoso, Patrick Sugui, Dominc Roque and big guy comedian Gerard Acao.
Burlington had Tamaraw duo Mike Tolomia and Roger Pogoy, Eagles Kris Porter and Thirdy Ravena (who is Kiefer’s brother), Warrior big man Chris Javier, Archer center Arnold Van Opstal, College of St. Benilde Blazer Jonathan Grey and Kapamilya stars Lucas, Neil Coleta, John Manalo, Marco Gumabao and Diego Loyzaga.
Making his money from deep, Padilla knocked down 28 points with Teng adding 16.
Burlington hero Lucas only had four points, all of which came in crunch time.