USC Warriors pull off historic triumph; join USPF bantams into national final

For the first time in 50 years, the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors advanced to the BAP-sanctioned National Students Baksetball Championship after edging out the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars, 90-81, in the sudden-death final of the Central Visayas qualifying round yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.

Earlier, the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation Baby Panthers earned the region to represent the region in the secondary division after mauling Salazar College of Science and Institute of Technology, 100-85.

Niño Ramirez erupted with 28 points spiked with four 3-pointers, while top center Enrico Llano bulldozed his way into a 22-point finish to power USC to its first trip to the national scene since the Warriors accomplished the feat in 1956 when the team was still coached by the late Juan "Dodong" Aquino, Jr.

Incidentally, the Carolinians are celebrating their 'Golden Year' as a university.

It was the close battle from the start to finish, but the USC Warriors fought with fortitude and craftiness in the closing minutes of the game to dispose off the equally-tough Jaguars.

Thus, it will be the USC Warriors and the USPF Panthers who will enjoy the panoramic view of the world-famous Mayon Volcano as they carry the region's banner in the BAP National Students Championship in Albay next week.

The collegiate action is set from February 27 to March 7 in Legaspi City, while the secondary battle will be held in Daet, Camarines Norte from February 28 to March 6.

The scores

Juniors

USPF (100) - Hermosa 25, Ferraren 19, Tiro 17, Nunez 10, Loon 8, Sabillo 6, Aligno 4, Dysam 2

SCSIT (85) - Violago 32, Diano 16, Canoy 12, Lawas 10, Gitalaga 6, Villamor 4, Naag 3.

Seniors

USC (90) - Ramirez 28, Llanto 22, Jueves 8, Sharma 7, Tangarorang 7, Tagalog 6, Joven 4, Padayao 4

USJ-R (81) - Gudez 21, Malinao 15, Pogoy 9, Lozano 8, Gabas 7, Maconocio 5, Justiniani 4, Villahermosa 4, Lasko 1