Gonzales hits buzzer-beater as USJ-R noses out UP Cebu

Sports

A SECOND stringer shone the brightest as Fritz Gonzales scored at the buzzer to send the University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars to thrilling 63-61 win over the University of the Philippines (UP)-Cebu Fighting Maroons on Tuesday night, Oct. 28, in the college division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. at the Cebu Coliseum.

Gonzales scored underneath just before the final buzzer sounded as the Jaguars made the Fighting Maroons pay for failing to score in the previous play.

With the clock ticking down to its final seconds and the match tied at 61 apiece, UP had the chance to surge ahead but Andrew Padilla missed a layup.

USJ-R’s Christian Carl Sollano secured the rebound then flipped a pass to Alcher Obra, who had the presence of mind to spot a wide-open Gonzales.

Guarded by no one, Gonzales scored underneath as time expired, sealing the Jaguars’ cardiac win.

The game-winning basket capped Gonzales’ strong showing off the bench as he finished with 15 points, three rebounds, and two steals to help USJ-R snatch its fourth win in eight outings.

Padilla collected 15 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and two assists, Brandon Sainz chipped in 12 points while Raul Gilbuena contributed 10 markers for UP, which slid to 1-7 (win-loss).

Heavily contributing to UP’s loss were the absence of Aaron Kress, Wenraye Sarol, and Mhel Anthony Ayuban.(CCM)