UC staves off USPF, posts 4th win in Cesafi hoops

Sports

THE University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters toyed with disaster before hanging on for a nail-biting 67-66 win over the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers in the college division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) Season 25 Basketball Tournament on Thursday night, Oct. 17, at the Cebu Coliseum.

UC barely avoided a major letdown when it allowed USPF to creep back in after posting what looked like a comfortable 22-point lead. The Webmasters were still ahead by double digits, 65-55, with only 3:02 left.

The Panthers fought back. The searing comeback saw USPF find an opportunity to steal the win in the game’s final two possessions.

The Panthers had a chance to even things up when Keaton Clyde Taburnal was fouled while attempting a desperation triple with three seconds left.

Taburnal made the first two free throws before missing his last attempt. Still, USPF had the chance to win it when Paul Daniel Apolinio collared the offensive rebound.

Apolinio hurriedly took what could have been a game-winning basket but his shot was blocked from behind as time ran out, allowing UC to survive.

Ray Charles Libatog finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds to lead UC, which collected its fourth win in five outings. Danie Boy Lapiz and rookie Carlo Salgarino backed Libatog with 10 points each.

Taburnal led the Panthers with 20 pointsfive rebounds, two assists, a block, and a steal. Paulo Dalumpines chipped in 13 points and seven assists, while Apoliniotallied 10 points and seven rebounds.(CCM)