Brian Kerle Basketball Academy held off a furious comeback from University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas, 81–80, in another thrilling semifinals game of the Roxas City Invitational Tournament 2026 at the Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center.
Brian Kerle Basketball Academy built a slim advantage through four quarters, surviving a late push by Perpetual Help to secure the one-point victory. The game was tightly contested from start to finish, with neither team able to create significant separation in the closing minutes.
Brian Kerle Basketball Academy led 26–18 after the first quarter before Perpetual Help answered with a 21–17 second period. BRB carried a 43–39 lead into halftime, while the third quarter saw the teams trade baskets as Brian Kerle Basketball entered the final period ahead, 57–56.
The game came down to a dramatic final possession.
With six seconds remaining, Tamuri Wigness took the shot that could have sealed the game, launching a three-pointer from beyond the arc. The attempt missed, however, giving Perpetual Help one last chance to complete the comeback.
But Jacob Gray was in the right place at the right time.
Gray grabbed the offensive rebound and immediately put the ball back up, banking it off the glass for the game-winning basket. His timely putback gave Brian Kerle Basketball the decisive 81–80 advantage and ultimately secured the victory as the final seconds ticked away.
Wigness paced Brian Kerle Basketball with a game-high 30 points, shooting 10-of-21 from the field while adding six rebounds and four assists.
Gray delivered one of the game’s biggest plays, finishing with 15 points and nine rebounds, including the offensive board and putback that decided the outcome.
Max Kerle contributed 12 points, while Darcy Ryder and Kurt Siwek added eight and seven points, respectively.
For Perpetual Help, Mark Gojo Cruz led his team with 17 points, including four three-pointers. Aries Borja added 14 points, while LA Casinillo finished with 12 points and six rebounds. JD Pagulayan chipped in 10 points.
