MGCNL Crowned Grand Champions of the 11th PCYAA Juniors Basketball Tournament

This title run is one for the books, showing the amazing faithfulness of God and the unwavering spirit of a true New Lifer–striving for character and striving for excellence.

Completing a miraculous run in the 11th Philippine Ching Yuen Athletic Association (PCYAA) Juniors Basketball Tournament, MGC New Life (MGCNL) defeated St. Stephen’s High School (SSHS), 75-68, in a thrilling overtime victory yesterday, March 25,  at the fully-packed UNO High School gym.

The New Lifers showed determination and perseverance, finishing a comeback effort to steal the game in overtime and take the finals series at 2-1. This is MGCNL’s first PCYAA Juniors Basketball title since its first championship in season four, ending a seven-year title drought and adding a second title to its trophy case.

Four quarters were not enough to settle the title, as the electric UNO Gym was given an extra five minutes to determine the winner of the match. Both teams would not budge, as the scores remained in close range throughout the game, with the biggest deficit of the game being just eight points.

Adrian Tan and Adam Uy came up big as they both fueled the New Lifers to finish the miraculous comeback and grab the PCYAA title. Tan drained a cold-blooded three with five seconds on the clock to send the game to overtime, causing the green-clad supporters to erupt in a frenzy. Meanwhile, Uy scored nine of his 24 points in the overtime period, and 22 of his total points in the second half of the game. 

Following the 5:30 pm tip-off, MGCNL got down to business quickly as their pressure defense fueled a 12-9 start for the team. Their lead quickly disappeared, as the New Lifers allowed ten straight points for SSHS, trailing the Stephenians at the end of the first, at 12-19.

Entering the second quarter, both teams struggled before Tan drained a two-pointer to put the New Lifers back on the board. Hoping to fuel a run, the New Lifers were unfortunately denied once again by SSHS, as each of their baskets was answered.

Down by six points, Tan swished a three to put the New Lifers within three, at 20-23. SSHS answered, scoring five straight to put their lead up to eight points, at 20-28. After yet another back and forth, the buzzer sounded with MGCNL behind at the half, 23-31.

After the halftime break, MGCNL exploded for a 16-4 run, taking the lead away from the Stephenians behind three shots from beyond the arc by Uy, Lucas Lo, and Trey Chua, and multiple layups from Uy and captain Karl Yue. 

With the New Lifers up, 39-35, the Stephenians still wouldn’t slip, regaining the lead, 44-41, to end the third quarter.

The story seemed to be no different in the fourth, as the Stephenians maintained their lead throughout the quarter. Their shot at the championship slowly slipping away, the New Lifers did not give up and were determined to turn things around. Chua made a tough layup, but it was quickly returned by SSHS. 

Uy finished at the basket, but SSHS answered with two more. Tan sank a floater to bring the New Lifers closer, 48-52, but SSHS drained another. Chua made yet another shot, but the Stephenians still broke even and kept their six-point lead.

Still trailing SSHS, 50-56, with around two minutes left in the ball game, Uy made a three-ball to put the New Lifers within three, at 53-56, with one minute left in the ball game. 

Following a missed opportunity with 24 seconds left, the New Lifers had to look for a foul to stop the clock. The clock was stopped at ten seconds, and the Stephenians were forced to inbound the ball at half-court. With what seemed to be a free drive to the rim, SSHS blew the opportunity as the graduating Yue jumped out of nowhere to reject the layup and send the ball to the MGCNL side. 

With five seconds to make a three-pointer, the New Lifers found a miracle in Tan’s clutch gene, as he was left wide-open in the corner and confidently swished the biggest shot of his life, tying the ball game and sending the match to overtime, at 56-56.

With a combined heart rate of millions, the UNO Gym roared with cheers from both schools all throughout the extended period. The Stephenians looked to capitalize, making two straight layups, 56-60, and leading the New Lifers. 

MGCNL quickly answered back, as Yue successfully drove to the basket, finding his shot two consecutive times and securing a clutch freebie to put MGCNL up by one, 61-60. 

From then on, the New Lifers didn’t look back as Tan and Uy each made a three to keep the lead for MGCNL, 69-64. 

Uy was fouled with six seconds left. He put the icing on the cake by making two free throws and securing the game and title for the New Lifers once and for all, at 75-68.

As the game clock expired and the buzzer sounded, the New Lifers finally exhaled, knowing that the job was finally done. Tears of joy flowed from the boys in green and white, as they felt the love and support of the school community throughout the game and tournament.

Uy was awarded the Player of the Game (POG), as he scored 24 total points (22 in the second half), and five rebounds. Graduating captain Yue nearly recorded a triple-double as he put up 12 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists in his last game as a New Lifer. Chua had an all-around game, recording a double-double, with 15 points and 10 rebounds while also grabbing four steals and three blocks. Tan, who came up big for the New Lifers, scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, all while shooting 60% from beyond the arc.

“It was magical,” shared the POG Uy about the insane run the team made throughout the tournament. “I love how the team never gave up, even until the last second,” he added. The MVP also expressed his thanks toward the Lord and the MGCNL community saying, “Thank you to God for always guiding us, and to all our parents, teachers, and classmates for supporting us throughout our journey.”

Led by coaches John Sia and James Sia, the MGCNL basketball team has returned to the top of the podium, winning their first PCYAA title in seven years. Almost ten years in the making, the graduating seniors from batch Zion have finally won a PCYAA title, ending their MGCNL basketball careers on a high note.

SCORES

MGCNL 75: Uy 24, Chua 15, Tan 14, Yue 12, Sotingco 4, Lim 3, Lo 3

SSHS 68: Ong 20, Ng 14, Bumanlag 13, Teng 9, Zhou 8, Ke 2, Reala 2