USC/RDAK goes 3-0 in ThreeSixty Pharmacy caging

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Carlos (USC)/RDAK and University of the Visayas (UV) overcame tough opposition to carve out close wins in the 19-under division of the ThreeSixty Pharmacy Cup 2012. USC/RDAK needed an extra period to top the CVIRAA High School team, 60-54, while UV nipped Symmetry Fitness Center/USJ-R, 55-53.

USC/RDAK blew hot and cold then went hot again to nail its third straight win in as many games. After taking a 24-19 halftime lead, they fell and allowed CVIRAA to control the game in the third period with the Palaro-bound squad taking a 38-32 lead going into the fourth quarter.

The Warriors clawed back in the fourth period behind Jasper Diaz’s five points and Anthony Romaguerra’s clutch shooting. Down 45-46, Romaguerra drilled a triple to give USC/RDAK a 48-46 lead with less than a minute left in the regulation period.

But Julius Cadavis replied with a field goal with a foul called to tie the game at 48-all, four seconds to go. He missed the bonus free throw, thus, the overtime.

With momentum on its side, USC/RDAK closed out the game in the extension. Romaguerra led USC/RDAK with 14 points while Justin Jaca added 11. Henry Asilum led CVIRAA with 11 as Rendell Senining chipped in 10.

 In a game that was close from start to finish, Vincent Mendoza calmly sank two free throws with no time left in the game to give UV its second win in three games.

Symmetry Fitness Center/USJ-R had narrow 29-28 and 39-37 leads at halftime and at the end of the third quarter but couldn’t put out the persistent UV squad.

With the game tied at 50-all, Wilkin Sanchez hit a triple for a 53-50 USJ-R lead. Eugene Nuñez replied with a triple of his own to tie the game at 53-all.   - (THE FREEMAN)