FORMER league MVP Rey Anthony Suerte celebrated his birthday with a bang after hitting a game-winner to lift the two-time defending champion University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers over the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, 81-78, in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) men’s basketball at the Cebu Coliseum yesterday.
Suerte drilled a dagger trey at the top of the key with 0.4 seconds left to win the game. It was a fitting answer to the game-tying three-pointer of USC’s John Reel Saycon at 4.9 seconds left.
The 2016 MVP Suerte hit a three-pointer with 10.8 seconds left to give the Green Lancers a 78-75 edge before Saycon made the second equalizer trey on the other end. Saycon first tied the game at 75-all with a three-pointer with 34.8 seconds left after UV’s Cabahug split his charities.
“I can’t believe my first performance on this game. I’m happy to get this win on my birthday,” said Suerte, who turned 24 yesterday.
Suerte finished with a game-high 29 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. He was an efficient 6-of-9 from the three-point area.
Gileant Delator was also a key factor for UV’s win, especially in the third quarter, as he filled the stat sheets with 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and six steals.
Bassieu Sackor handed 16 points and 16 rebounds for the the Green Lancers, who improved to an 8-3 (win-loss) record. The Lancers solidified their hold of the second spot behind the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters, who were set to play the University of San Jose-Recoletos at press time.
It was a nip-and-tuck game as UV took a slim 18-15 lead after the first quarter but USC stole the lead and had a 38-34 edge at the half. UV once again regained the driver’s seat and finished the third quarter at 57-51.
Saycon’s all-around performance of 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists and seven steals went to naught as the Warriors dropped to a 4-7 card for fifth place. The loss also lowers USC’s chance to make it to the semis as they now trail fourth placer University of Southern Philippines-Foundation (USP-F) Panthers, who are at 5-6 slate.
Somtochukklu Managor had 24 points and 10 rebounds, Giovanni Laguya handed 13 points and 10 assists while Jules Langres chipped in 16 points in a losing effort. (RSC)