USPF nips Malaysians, USC falters

CEBU, Philippines – The University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panthers scored another upset victory, this time against the visiting Universiti Technologi Mara of Malaysia in overtime, 91-86, to notch their second win in the 1st Asian Pacific University Games (APUG) basketball tournament yesterday at the University of San Carlos gymnasium.

Rookie Ayn Obenza fired 32 points to lead the Panthers who improved to 2-1 win-loss record. Lyndon Colina and Carl Langahin also chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Mohd Ali registered 21 points and Patrick Heintzman added 17 for UTM.

In the main game, Japan’s Nippon Sports Science University (NSSU) Lions escaped with a 73-70 victory over the newly-crowned Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) champion USC Warriors.

NSSU are now considered as the virtual champion with a perfect 3-0 record.

The Lions banked on their good ball movement and effective shooting to repulse the Warriors. NSSU never trailed the entire game despite USC’s attempts to grab the lead.

Nico Magat reduced the lead to one point, 60-61, but USC failed to grab the lead in the final 2:32 of the contest after Ian Tagapan lost handle of the leather while attempting a drive to the basket.

That turnover was costly as Sekido Yusuke responded with a trey to make it 64-61. Yusuke led the Lions with 18 points as Oshiro Yusaku delivered 14 markers. (FREEMAN)