Friday, March 09, 2007 USJ-R stings UV By Marian C. Baring Sun.Star Staff Reporter
AMID a field of powerhouse teams, the Virginia Foods-University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) was never considered a serious title contender. That is, until yesterday, when the Jaguars made the final day of the elimination round at the Cebu Coliseum a memorable one.
This after the Jaguars handed the CDO-University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers their second upset in the Partner’s Cup, 77-72.
UV’s loss is only its third debacle in six years. The high and mighty Green Lancers were simply overwhelmed by the phenomenal scoring binge of USJ-R, especially from the performance of its wily point guard Armand Ponce.
However, USJ-R head coach Edito Salacot downplayed their win, which puts them at the top of the standings.
“UV was not giving the game much importance. They will get back in the next game,” Salacot said, who also took notice of his wards’ hard work.
The Green Lancers, who were trailing by as much as 11 for most of the game, came back in the final period as they overhauled a nine-point deficit with a 10-0 run to take the lead, 72-71, with a minute left in the game.
Depite the stifling defense of the Lancers, which only allowed USJ-R to score from the free throw line, the Jaguars still bucked UV’s last minute surge when John Malinao converted his charities to regain the lead for good.
In the final seven seconds with USJ-R leading, 75-72, UV’s Morsie Akad had all the chances to level the game and forge extra time, but he failed to sink in two attempts from his favorite spot from the three-point area, sealing their defeat.
Ponce catapulted into fame as he top scored for USJ-R with 23 points. Malinao and Manny Gabas scored 10 and 11 points, respectively.
Akad, on the other hand, led UV with 23 points ‘My players really strived hard in the game, “ Salacot added.
In the past six years, the Lancers lost twice to the Metro Gaisano-UC Webmasters. Once in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi), which ended their 54-game win streak and once in the Partners Cup. USJ-R’s win makes them only the second Cebu team to beat the six-time Cesafi Champions.
