MANILA, Philippines—Javee Mocon skied in at the nick of time and his heroic tip-in lifted the Rookies and Sophomores from the Juniors, 141-1400 in the RSJ Game of the PBA All-Star Weekend Friday in Calasiao.
Mocon’s tip-in, though, was just part of the crazy final seconds of the game that saw a late-game foul, three missed free throws, and a blanked last-second heave.
Robert Bolick stole the ball from Mac Belo who turned the ball over with around 16 seconds left after the Juniors’ timeout, leading to a frantic transition basket attempt on the part of the Rookies-Sophomores.
CJ Perez put up a baseline three that bounced off the rim, but luckily for Rookies-Sophomores there was Jason Perkins who grabbed the rebound and forced a three-point attempt while drawing a foul on Jio Jalalon.
Perkins needed to shoot just two of those freebies to give the Rookies-Sophomores, who were trailing 140-139, the victory but he botched all three.
Perez made the offensive rebound but he rushed his shot. Fortunately for him, there was Mocon who timed his tip perfectly.
Although he missed his last second shot, Perez proved that he was the best of the bunch winning the MVP of the game after putting up 32 points and eight rebounds.
Jeron Teng had 19 points and seven rebounds for theRookies-Sophomores with Mocon adding in 18 points, four rebounds, and five assists.
Rashawn McCarthy had 24 points for the Juniors.