USC-A pins down CIT/USJ-R in Alberto's Pizza Caging

CEBU, Philippines -  The University of San Carlos (USC) Team A rode on a fluid offense in the final half to defeat the combined forces of the Cebu Institute of Technology-University and the University of San Jose-Recoletos, 79-63, at the start of the Alberto's Pizza Cup-Nursing Edition basketball tournament at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) gym in Brgy. Lahug, this city.

The Carolinians lost an early 17-21 lead, allowing CIT/USJ-R to gain a four-point headway at the intermission, 45-41.

But USC-A quickly made the necessary adjustments to regain control of the match for good, 60-54.

USC-A then neutralized CIT/USJ-R's offense in the closing minutes of the contest to hang on to a six-point victory.

Meanwhile, the import-landed Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC) cagers fought to an 88-all draw with Alberto's Pizza in a goodwill encounter.

The sweet-shooting Jonas Panerio topped SAC with 29 points spiked with five 3-pointers, while reinforcements David Lim, Dave Ting and Dennis Que conspired for 45 markers.

Mark Villagonzalo paced Alberto's Pizza with 22 points.

The month-long tournament follows a single round robin format, with the top four advancing into the crossover semifinal. The winners will then slug it out for the championship.

Depending on the success of their initial venture fully supported by Alberto's Pizza owners Sidney Kiamko, Donny Kiamco and Christine Reyes, league coordinator Robert Rafson Chua said they are planning to stage similar competition for call center agents and other aggrupation of professionals and community-oriented organizations.

The scores

USC-A (79) - Ngoboc 19, Lapa 16, Loon 15, Guinto 10, Te 6, Dumalag 3, Tamarra 3, Cabz 3, Dagani 2, Herbias 2

CIT/USJ-R (73) - Hermoso 28, Rentoza 13, Caritan 11, Wong 6, De la Victoria 4, Quiroga 4, Mora 3, Las Piñas 2, Yap 2

Quarterscores: 21-17; 41-45; 60-54; 79-73— EBV (FREEMAN)