UNIVERSITY of the East secured a 76-70 victory over University of Santo Tomas on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, forcing a winner-take-all Game 3 in the UAAP Season 87 boys’ basketball finals.

Mav Mesina played a key role in the win, scoring 21 points and sinking several crucial free throws in the closing moments to seal the victory for the Junior Warriors.

The 14-year-old guard from Malabon City displayed poise under pressure, hitting seven free throws in total, including the two that clinched the game.

“Ever since we were kids, when playing basketball, (a) free throw is a common shot to make. I’ve made that shot more than a thousand times so what’s there to be scared about?” Mesina said after the game.

Neil Garcia added 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Gab Delos Reyes posted an impressive double-double with 11 points and 21 rebounds, including three crucial blocks.

It was Delos Reyes’ jumper that gave UE a 68-66 lead with just over two minutes remaining, but UST responded with back-to-back baskets by Miguel Jubilada and Jhon Canapi to briefly take a 70-68 lead.

However, the Junior Warriors never lost their focus, with Mesina and his teammates rallying to secure the victory.

“That’s the motivation: To bring UE another championship. As I’ve said, never give up, and then we won, so why would we give it away? We have worked hard, in and out of the court, this is it,” UE coach Andrew Estrella said, emphasizing his team’s resilience.

The victory forces a do-or-die Game 3, with UE aiming to end a 39-year title drought, while UST is looking to capture their first championship since Season 74 in 2001.

On the UST side, Jubilada led the charge with 21 points, while Canapi contributed a well-rounded stat line of 10 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Dustin Bathan also had a solid outing, adding 20 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. However, the Tiger Cubs will be without Mythical Five member Andwele Cabanero in Game 3, as he was ejected for striking Garcia during a loose-ball scuffle in the first quarter.

With everything on the line, both teams are sure to bring their best in the final game of the season.