Saturday, August 18, 2007 UC notches 2nd win with routing of USC
UNIVERSITY of Cebu (UC) collared its second win via a ball-busting rout on the way to ousting University of San Carlos, 77-71, yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.
UC is the defending juniors division champion of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc (Cesafi) basketball competition.
After what looked like repeated flip-flopping in the lead, UC Baby Webmasters found themselves on the driver's seat when they opened the penultimate period with a 7-0 run, to lead, 36-34.
In what seemed like the nth time in that game, the game's favor once more turned to USC Baby Warriors' side, as another scorching run behind the efforts of USC's mammoth center Niño Tiu, nullified UC's earlier lead. USC took a precarious one-point lead, 49-48, going into the deciding period.
In the final frame, however, the Webmasters shut the door on USC behind a 5-0 run, courtesy of Joseph Sedurifa, Alfred Codilla and Raymund Babad. UC snatched the lead, at 53-49, for good. UC opened the game wider as they were able to bury USC by as much as eight points in this period.
Jeered
In the final two minutes, USC's determination allowed them to edged closer to narrow the gap by three, 71-74. Nielton Otida had a chance to close in further and turn the game around for USC, but his layup ended up stuck between the ring and the board.
UC's Babad, whose demeanor struck the crowd as bordering on arrogance, was undeterred by the crowd's jeering as he scored 21 points for UC, while Sedurifa added 17. Tiu on the other hand, topscored for USC with 21, while Otida added 17.
Both teams now share the top spot with an identical 2-1 win-loss record.
Meanwhile, in the other game, University of the Visayas finally barged into the win column after four outings at the expense of University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 84-78.
College games
Eugene Viagedor scored 19 points to lead the UV scorers. Aldwin Felisario chipped in 17, while John Abad added 16.
Norman Borde and James Babiera combined for 27 points for USPF, which now sports a 1-1 win-loss card.
Today, college games will be held once more in Danao City. The UV Green Lancers, which has an immaculate record, is set to face the win-less USPF in the collegiate division at 7:30 p.m. It will be followed by the clash between Southwestern University and USC. (MCB)
