The University of Cebu (UC) punched their ticket to the semifinals with a 95-77 win over the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) Season 22 collegiate basketball tournament on Thursday night at the Cebu Coliseum.
The victory pushed UC’s win-loss record to 5-4, good for third place in the standings. A victory on Saturday against the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars would seal UC as the third seed in the Final Four, which would put them on a collision course with the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USP-F) Panthers.
The Final Four will see the top and second seed armed with a twice-to-beat advantage over their respective opponents.
Left-handed guard Paul Galinato showed his fine form as he put up 21 points, nine rebounds, and a block. Forward Jhiey Paraldo helped out with 16 markers, while Joseph Arth Nalos and Luther Leonard tallied 10 points apiece.
Meanwhile in the high school division, the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers defeated the USP-F Baby Panthers, 79-71, to shore up their record to 4-4.
Franco Gabunada brought his A-game as he stuffed the stat sheet with 21 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and an astounding eight steals.
The loss dropped USP-F to 3-4.