ACT forges rubbermatch versus SWU in CBA Finals

CEBU, Philippines - The Asian College of Technology (ACT) Cyber Knights lashed back at the Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras , 78-68, to forge a rubbermatch in their best-of-three finals series in the 2nd CBA-M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Mayor's Cup the other night at the Cebu Coliseum.

Five ACT players cashed in double figures led by Liga Pilipinas mainstays Jan Villaver and Mark Magsumbol with 16 and 12 points, respectively. Former University of Visayas (UV) Green Lancers standout Morsie Akad added 11 markers, while Edrian Lao and Ronald Bucao added 10 each.

After struggling in the series opener, the Cyber Knights of team owner Rodrigo ‘Bebot’ Abellanosa and coach Titing Manalili put up a sizzling offensive show to dump SWU and keep their championship bid alive.

Closing the half with a four-point headway, 39-35, the Cyber Knights ignited a blazing rally to pad their lead to 14 points, 52-38, with still 4:21 remaining in the third period.

Aside from having a well-balanced scoring, the Cyber Knights also succeeded in clamping down SWU’s leading scorer Jeff Viernes, who was held off to a paltry two points.

The Cobras did not give up easily though as they trimmed the deficit down to only five points, 65-70, at the final 1:11 mark of the contest, but that was the best they could muster as Villaver countered with a beautiful layup before Harold flashy guard Harold Cincoflores went 4-of-4 from the foul line to bail ACT out of danger.

Chris Dumapi led SWU with 14 points followed by Jessmar Villahermosa with 11 points.

The scores

ACT (78) - Villaver 16, Magsumbol 12, Akad 11, Lao 10, Bucao 10, Cincoflores 8, Padilla 5, Luga 2, Nuñez 2

SWU (68) – Dumapi 14, Villahermosa 11, Antipuesto 8, Mendoza 8, Aboude 7, Padillo 3, Pacquiao 2, Viernes 2

Quarterscores: 23-16, 39-35, 58-47, 78-68  (FREEMAN)