MANILA, Philippines - University of Cebu edged University of Visayas, 71-70, in overtime to level their best-of-five title series at one game apiece in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) championship at the Cebu Coliseum in Cebu City.
The UC Webmasters hung tough in the extra period after regulation play ended at 62-all.
The UV Green Lancers had taken Game 1, 76-71.
UC coach Roel Gomez, who played for the Alaska Aces in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), said he expects the series to go the full route.
The CESAFI champion gets an automatic seat to the “Sweet 16” Finals of the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Championship games.
In the other game, University of San Carlos Warriors outlasted the University of San Jose Recoletos Jaguars, 91-79, to clinch third place.
The Warriors now advance to the PCCL Zonal Qualifying games set Nov. 4-6 in Bacolod City where two finals seats are at stake.
Joining USC in Bacolod are the Arellano University Chiefs (NCAA fifth placer), Holy Trinity College of General Santos (Mindanao champion) and West Negros University Mustangs (Visayas champion).
The Jaguars, on the other hand, are in the PCCL Zonal Qualifying games slated Nov. 6-8 at the Cebu Coliseum together with Adamson University Falcons (UAAP fifth placer), San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite Baycats (NAASCU champion) and the CESAFI losing finalist. Two finals spots are up for grabs in the event.
More details of the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Championship sponsored by PLDT and SMART can be obtained at the PCCL official website, www.CollegiateChampionsLeague.net.