Mocon scores winner as Rooks, Sophs team up to beat Juniors in PBA "NXTGEN" clash

Javee Mocon jumped over Mac Belo for the game-winning putback. PBA Media Group

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Javee Mocon scored the game-winning basket as the Rookie-Sophomore selection edged the Juniors, 141-140, in the PBA All-Star NXTGEN Challenge at the Calasiao Sports Complex on Friday night.

Mocon scored on a tip-in just as time expired as the group consisting of the first and second year stars stole the win from the third-year squad, which is essentially composed of the previous Gilas Cadets.

Mocon's basket actually saved CJ Perez's cause as the latter's chance to win it for the Rookie-Sophomores rimmed out.

Mocon, however, soared over Mac Belo for the tip-in.

Perez, who was named the Most Valuable Player of the game, finished with 32 points, while Mocon had 18.

Rashawn McCarthy made 24 markers for the Juniors.

The scores:

PBA Rookies-Sophomores 141 – Perez 32, Teng 19, Mocon 18, Herndon 16, Desiderio 11, Perkins 9, Bolick 9, Tallo 7, Nambatac 7, Jackson 6, Tratter 4, Jose 3.

PBA Juniors 140 – McCarthy 24, Pogoy 20, Tolomia 15, Jalalon 14, Daquioag 13, Escoto 13, Belo 12, Wright 12, Ferrer 6, Banal 5, Pessumal 4, Cruz 2.

Quarters: 40-29; 73-76; 106-112; 141-140.

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