Douanga’s dagger

It was not a lucky shot, it was a designed play

National University’s Dave Ildefonso challenges the defense of Simon Camacho of Adamson. DAVID JOHN CUBANGBANG

Adamson University banked on Lenda Douanga’s game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer in overtime and turned back National University (NU), 84-83, for its first win in Season 82 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After Dave Ildefonso gave the Bulldogs the lead with an acrobatic layup, 83-81, with 1.4 seconds left, Soaring Falcons head coach Franz Pumaren sued for a timeout and went to Dounga who received the ball at the top of the key and hit the game-winner to break the hearts of NU.

“It was not a lucky shot, it was a designed play,” said Pumaren, who drew 26 points and 19 rebounds from his reinforcement.

Simon Camacho added 14 points and 11 rebounds while Val Chauca (13), Jerome Lastimosa (10) and Jerrick Ahamisi (10) also hit double figures for the Soaring Falcons, who bounced back from a 52-70 loss to defending champion Ateneo de Manila University the last time out.

It was a tough loss for the Bulldogs, who appeared to have the game in the bag after Ildefonso sank an improbable layup but a defensive lap by Issa Gaye in the final play cost them the game.

“We’re still searching for the right chemistry. As you can see, we are composed of eight rookies,” Pumaren added.

Adamson’s win spoiled the prolific game of Ildefonso, who tallied 29 points, 11 rebounds and three assists for the team of head coach Jamike Jarin.

It was also Douanga who sent the game in overtime after following up the missed jumper of Camacho, 74-all.

In extra period, it was a see-saw battle as Douanga tied the game anew with two free throws, 81-all, with 22.6 ticks remaining.

After Ildefonso reclaimed the lead for the Bulldogs with a tough drive, 83-81, Douanga had the last laugh, hoisting a 25-foot three-pointer as time expired.

Gaye and John Lloyd Clemente contributed 16 and 11 points, respectively, for NU, which blew a big lead in regulation.