USPF Panthers register first win in CESAFI

In a battle of winless squads, the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers prevailed over the Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT) Wildcats in lopsided fashion, 84-67, last Wednesday in the 8th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc., (CESAFI) basketball season at the Cebu Coliseum.

1:00 pm USPF vs. CIT (Jrs.)

2:30 pm DBTC vs. USJR (Jrs.)

4:00 pm CIT vs. UC (Srs.)

5:30 pm USJR vs. UV (Srs.)

The Panthers, who finally barged into the win column after four failed starts, hope to make it two games in a row when they square off against the Don Bosco College Greywolves next week.

The Panthers led the entire game and employed a crippling defensive stance to ground the Wildcats’ offense. Their 10-0 run bridging the third and fourth quarters further ripped the game apart.

In the final period, the Panthers held off the Wildcats to a season-tying low six points while scoring 19 to seal the 17-point demolition.

At one point, the Wildcats put up one brave stand when they hit six triples to close within 61-65 after being down by as much as 14 points, 61-65. But that was the best they could muster as the Panthers quickly regained their scorching offensive form.

Elleison Rivera topscored for the Panthers with 16 points, while topgunner Moncrif Rogado scored 14. Jeffrey Laurente donated 11 markers.

Eulogio Lamosa scattered 27 points and Sherwin Resilla has 14, but their efforts went for naught as the Wildcats slumped to their fifth consecutive defeat.

USPF (84) - Rivera 16, Rogado 14, Laurente 11, Avila 8, Bardilas 8, Gulane 7, Monterde 6, Mohamad 4, Tabada 3, Filoteo 3, Durano 2, Muñez 2

CIT (67) - Lamosa 27, Resilla 14, dela Cerna 9, Villarba 4, Molero 4, Albeos 4, del Mar 2, Cabañero 2, Lopez 1 Halftime: 44-35 (GGM)