Desiderio steals the show

CEBU, Philippines — The much-hyped “Sanciangko Clasico” that rekindled the old rivalry between the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers and the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters lived up to its billing.

At first, everybody thought it was going to be a lopsided contest as the Lancers caught fire early on and raced to a commanding lead.

Interestingly though, the match went down to the wire to the delight of spectators who were glued to their seats until the end as if they’re watching a championship battle.

Thanks to the gallant comeback efforts of the Webmasters who had PBA superstar June Mar Fajardo as their chief cheerleader.

When the dust settled, the Lancers came out smoking the victory cigar.

Paul Desiderio sank a booming 3-pointer in the final three seconds as the Lancers escaped the Webmasters, 85-83, in a memorable showdown of former All-Stars commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) on Wednesday night, September 10, at the Cebu Coliseum.

Mentored by the legendary Elmer “Boy” Cabahug, the Lancers scored the game’s first 18 points and zoomed ahead by as much as 26 points, 38-12, early in the second quarter.

But the league’s winningest ballclub with 16 titles under their belt saw their huge advantage evaporate under the spirited fightback by the two-time champion Webmasters, who were even on the brink of an upset with an 83-82 edge on a jump shot by Luigi Gabisan in the last 36 seconds.

After a turnover by Gayford Rodriguez, UC had a chance to stretch their lead but playing coach Dondon Hontiveros missed two important free throws with only 11 ticks left to play.

And they paid dearly for it.

In the ensuing sequence, Desiderio showed iron nerves in hitting a 3-point dagger off a nifty assist by Harold Cincoflores with only three seconds remaining that caused the entire Lancers bench and their throng of fans to leap for joy.

Desiderio, one of four Lancers who cracked double figures, finished with 10 points.

Emman Calo paced UV with 14 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Rodriguez tallied 12 markers and six boards, Jancork Cabahug added 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Adrian Lao nearly had a double-double with nine points and 11 rebounds.

Gabisan dropped a game-high 24 points with six rebounds and two assists while Kelvin Juliane cashed in 13 points, two rebounds, and four assists in UC’s losing cause.