West steals NCAA All-Star win from East after wild finish

Dennis Acosta

By Ivan Saldajeno

SAN JUAN, MM--Just when the East was on its way to win its second straight NCAA All-Star Game at the FilOil Flying V Arena on Friday night, Jonathan Grey turned the tides for the West All-Stars.

Known for his hops, the 6-3 guard fired back-to-back triples in just 6.4 seconds to spark the West's comeback to steal an 89-88 win against the East All-Stars.

The West, composed of the stars from Taft Avenue-based schools, trailed by seven, 81-88, with 28.3 seconds left in the game against the East, represented by the top players from the schools not located near Taft Avenue.

But Grey scored on a triple to cut the lead to just four with 21.3 seconds left and made another off a steal at the 14.9 second mark to trim the gap to only one.

West, with three fouls to give, took some time before fouling the East twice, leaving 4.6 seconds on the clock.

Counting on Coach Aldin Ayo's patented pressure defense, Mark Cruz forced a steal and got fouled by Jamil Ortuoste at the buzzer while taking a desperation heave from beyond half-court.

Cruz made his first two free throws before intentionally missing the third to end the match.

Grey, who took home the MVP honor, finished with 20 points, two rebounds, three assists, and one steal, while Cruz added ten points.

Teodoro led the East with 17 markers.

Box Scores:

West 89–Grey 20, Cruz 10, Oraeme 10, Gabayni 8, Mejos 8, Munsayac 7, Nambatac 6, Alanes 4, Ongteco 4, Baltazar 3, Saavedra 3, Racal 2, Onwubere 2, Serrano 2, Nieles 0

East 88–Teodoro 17, Jalalon 12, Akhuetie 10, Guinto 10, Ylagan 6, Dela Cruz 6, Calisaan 6, Koga 5, Ortuoste 5, Salado 4, Sorela 4, Dela Paz 2, Abdul Wahab 1, Nicholls 0, Dagangon 0

Quarterscores: 19-14, 41-38, 59-63, 89-88