The University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters boosted their chances of claiming a favorable spot in the Final Four after they routed the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers, 85-66, in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) Season 22 collegiate basketball tournament last Sunday at the Cebu Coliseum.
Young guard Joseph Arth Nalos had a breakout game as he gave UC the spark it needed by scoring 20 points — 16 of which came in the second half when the Webmasters put the Green Lancers away.
The win evened UC’s record up at 4-4 with two more games left remaining on their schedule in the elimination round. The top four teams at the end of the double round-robin elims will advance to the semifinals, where the top two seeds hold a twice-to-beat advantage over the lower-ranked squads.
Jhiey Paraldo and Jasper Pacaña added 14 points apiece to help UC’s cause. John Daab also pitched in 12 of his own.
Meanwhile, the City of Bogo Science and Arts Academy (CBSAA) Trailblazers slipped past the UV Baby Lancers, 76-70, to keep their unbeaten record intact. CBSAA now owns an immaculate 7-0 record.
The win did not come easy for the team of head coach Leode Garcia, as they faced a 13-point deficit, 50-63, in the final period. However, the Trailblazers showed nerves of steel, especially Yzali Dugaduga, who canned a triple to shove his team in front, 72-70, with 53.3 seconds to go in the tight contest.
After a UV turnover, Junel Colubio put the game on ice with a layup on the other end that gave CBSAA a 74-70 lead with 23 seconds remaining.
Dugaduga led CBSAA with 22 points.