UC survives USPF scare

CEBU, Philippines - Defending champion University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters had to wade through rough waters before pulling off a 62-61 squeaker over the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) and complete a six-game sweep in the first round of elimination in the 11th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men's basketball last Wednesday night at the Cebu Coliseum.

Earlier, the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles upended the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers, 79-73, to stay undefeated after five games.

The Webmasters nearly paid dearly for being too complacent and lackadaisical against the Panthers. Good for them they were ahead by nine points in the final three minutes and still enjoyed a shaky 62-59 edge with still 22 seconds left to play.

All they needed from there was to avoid a long shot from the Panthers' side to ensure there will be no five-minute overtime.

Though victorious, it was a game the Webmasters don't want to see the replay because of how they spattered that night.

While June Mar Fajardo topscored with 18 points, the low-scoring match was a manifestation that the Webmasters somehow relaxed or they just considered the Panthers lightly.

Robinson Mohammad had four triples of his 12 points to tie with Edward Pao on the side of the Webmasters, while James Ferraren led the Panthers with 21 points followed by Joseph Sedurifa with 11 markers.

Meawhile, Jari Igna scored on a five-point swingf in the final 57 seconds of the contest to lift the Magi Eagles to a crucial victory over the Baby Lancers.

The score stood at 71-all on two free throws by SHS-AdC's Dawn Ochea with 1:114 left when Igna made a steal and scored with a lay-up to give his team the upperhand, 73-71. He then hit a deep two-pointer to make it 75-71 with 35.4 seconds left that proved to be turning point of their huge triumph .

Julius Cadavis paced the Magis Eagles with 17 points, while Igna banged in 14 markers. (FREEMAN)