SWU Cobras close in on CBA cage crown

CEBU, Philippines - Bull-strong forward Abby Santos and PBA D-League standout Jeff Viernes connived 42 points as the Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras rattled the Asian College of Technology (ACT) Cyber Knights, 90-76, to move a win away from clinching the championship of the 2nd CBA-M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Mayor's Cup the other night at the Cebu Coliseum.

After closing the first half with a 57-45 advantage, the Cobras of coach Raul "Yayoy" D. Alcoseba kept their relentless offensive to blow up their lead to 15 points, 64-49, with still 1:37 left to play in the third period.

Stephen Padilla and Mark Magsumbol tried to spark an ACT comeback, but they were rebuffed by the spirited SWU mainstays led by the red-shot Viernes, who went 2-of-2 from the 3-point as they further stretched their lead to 17, 87-70, entering the final three-minute zone of the contest.

The Cyber Knights groped for form in the dark from there onwards.

The other SWU stalwarts cashed in double figures. Lyle Antipuesta netted 14 markers, Jessmar Villahermosa 12 and Giovanni Padillo 11.

Magsumbol paced ACT with 21 points followed by Padilla and John Villaver with 15 and nine, respectively.

In the battle for third, Ave Maria Sanctuary Park clobbered Rollway Customs Brokerage, 85-77, behind the efforts of Alex Cainglet and Jayzar Esperat with 14 points each.

The scores

For third

Ave Maria (85) - Cainget 14, Esperat 14, Cortes 11, Tangkay 12, Saladaga 11, Amores 10, Cantonao 3, Delfino 2, R. Senining 2, C. Senining 2, Parker 2

Rollway (77) - Sanoria 16, Aguilar 15, Escosio 14, Cruz 8, Berido 8, Tabaloc 6, Monaco 6, Soronio 2, Tarona 2

Game 1, Finals

SWU (90) – Santos 22, Viernes 20, Antipuesto 14, Villahermosa 12, Padillo 11, Aboude 5, Dumapi 3, Mendoza 2, Pacquiao 1

ACT (76) - Magsumbol 21, Padilla 15, Villaver 9, Luga 8, Lao 8, Akad 6, Cincoflores 4, Ursal 3, Nuñez 2  (FREEMAN)