Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe sank two free throws to give Team Vince a 25-24 win over Team Melo and the championship of the Rising Stars event on Friday in Inglewood, Calif.
The last of the night’s three games featuring young NBA players was played until one team reached 25 points.
Edgecombe, who scored a team-high six points in the final, also starred in his side’s semifinal game and was selected the event’s Most Valuable Player. He hit 6 of 8 shots from the floor, including 3 of 4 from 3-point range, while putting up 17 points as Team Vince defeated Team T-Mac 41-36.
San Antonio Spurs rookie Dylan Harper, playing for Team Melo, posted a game-high eight points and a team-best five rebounds in the final.
Team Melo claimed its semifinal game 40-34 over Team Austin behind nine points apiece from second-year Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan and second-year Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard.
Los Angeles Clippers rookie center Yanic Konan Niederhauser logged 11 points for Team Austin in the semifinal loss. Second-year Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson was the top player for Team T-Mac in its defeat, registering 10 points and five rebounds.
The two semifinal games had target scores of 40 points.
The coaches for the four teams were Vince Carter, Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady and Austin Rivers.
The Rising Stars event was part of the NBA’s All-Star weekend festivities in Inglewood. The Saturday night slate includes the 3-point contest, the Shooting Stars event featuring shot-making from various spots on the floor and finally the dunk contest.
The All-Star Game on Sunday will consist of a mini tournament featuring two teams of U.S. players and one team of international players.
