THE University of the Visayas kept its unbeaten slate and clinched the top spot of the CloudFone Batang PBA 2016 Cebu after a 71-70 thriller over University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) yesterday at the Cebu City Sports Institute.
Joshua Canoy's last second heroics saved the day for UV, which won its fourth straight game in the tournament.
Down by two points, 68-70, Canoy sank a triple with 1.9 seconds left for the game-winner.
Royce Alforque led UV with 22 points, while Christopher Isabelo had 20 for USPF.
With UV already in the semi-finals of the race for the three other slots have tightened after crucial wins by Don Bosco Technical College Inc. (DBTCI) and University of San Carlos (USC).
DBTCI upset Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC), 54-51, after a late rally.
DBTCI was behind by five points, 46-51, with three minutes left in regulation. But DBTCI sparked a 8-0 run to finish the game capped off with a three point play Juan Miguel dela Torre with 13 seconds remaining.
Dela Torre and Christian Boyboy had 14 points each for DBTCI, while Josh Funtebella and Coco Tuadles scored 13 points each for SHS-AdC.
USC, in the meantime, outclassed Abellana National School, 82-72.
Gerald Iñigo scored 25 points, while Clint Octaviano added 17 for USC.
Julian Romano led ANS with 24, while Breidyn Smith scored 22 points for ANS.
SHS-AdC (2-2), DBTCI (2-2), USC (2-2), ANS (1-3) and USPF (1-3) are all still in the running for the last three spots but it all depends on the last elimination games today.
DBTCI faces ANS, USC takes on USPF and UV squares off with SHS-AdC.