Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Perpetual Help’s Prince Eze, the Most Valuable Player award front-runner at the end of the first round, sparkled down the stretch as Saints All Stars outlasted Heroes, 84-80, in the fourth annual NCAA All Star Game last Friday night at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
In a surprisingly tough and competitive encounter, the 6-foot-10 Eze, playing heavy minutes, drained two free throws with 10 seconds remaining to seal the victory for the Saints of San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez.
While Eze did most of the damage inside the paint, Fernandez also had a San Beda-Letran combination to thank for as Rey Nambatac joined forces with Robert Bolick and Javee Mocon in a strong finish.
Bolick nailed a triple from the corner with 1:49 for an 82-80 cushion.
Eze, who also had 14 rebounds, was named MVP of the All Star game, matching the achievement of his former teammate Bright Akhuetie.
“At least the players enjoyed and we were able to balance their playing time,” said Fernandez. “Eze played really well. He has really blossomed as a player.”
Lyceum’s CJ Perez finished with 15 points and four steals for Heroes. But Perez struggled just like Kent Salado in the final minute as the Saints tightened up on defense.
Meanwhile, Arellano forward Lervin Flores ruled the slam dunk contest, leaping over three people, including comedian Empoy Marquez who was among the judges.
Flores’ perfect 50 dunk in the final round rescued what was an otherwise drab affair which saw six of the nine participants unable to convert their dunk attempts.
It was redemption for Flores, who was left frustrated last year when he failed to get past the first round of the competition.
Justin Gutang of St. Benilde settled for second place after getting a score of 45 for his 360 slam.
Mapua ruled two side events as Almel Orquina topped the three-point contest, besting a strong field that also included 2016 champion Amiel Soberano. Another Cardinal, JP Nieles ruled the skills challenge while Perpetual, led by GJ Ylagan, topped the Shooting Stars competition.