SWU routs UV, makes it 4-0 in Filoil Flying V Games

CEBU, Philippines - 4-0 and at the top of the group. This is where the Southwestern University  Cobras suddenly find themselves in going into the weekend of crucial games after they defeated archrival University of the Visayas  69-45, in another display of superior basketball at the Cebu leg of the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup held at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex last Thursday night.

In a rematch of the CESAFI finals, SWU was far more superior than the Lancers in all departments, save for the relatively close first period where the Cobras took a 16-12 lead. It was all-SWU from then on as they streaked to a 28-17 halftime lead before breaking the game wide open in the third quarter. A 17-4 run to jumpstart the third quarter was all SWU needed to settle the issue. Anton Pardo scored all of his nine points in this scoring splurge that also had four other Cobras contribute in the same run.

The Cobras' offense was at their best with execution of their set plays that saw Landry Sanjo record another double double performance of 20 points and 13 rebounds. Bernie Bregondo added 12 points as the SWU frontcourt dominated the paint anew. The Lancers were limited on offense with nobody scoring in double digits. John Abad and Lyle Sumayang had seven apiece to lead UV, which now drops to 0-4 in Group A play.

The Cobras are now on top of Group A with their 4-0 slate, something they’ve never experienced, but they face stiff opposition in UAAP champion De La Salle University today and defending Filoil Flying V Hanes Premiere Cup champions University of the East tomorrow at the Hoopsdome in Lapu-Lapu City. The top two teams make it to the knockout stage.

In an exhibition game in the high school division, Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu dumped Cebu Eastern College, 104-52. Josh Sinclair led the Magis Eagles with 30 points and 17 rebounds while Alex Visser registered 16 points and 10 boards. Vince Tecson led CEC with 19. (FREEMAN)