Sweet Revenge SWU downs UV to win NCC Southern Islands title

CEBU, Philippines - The Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras avoided a fourth quarter meltdown to beat their arch rival University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers, 68-60, to win the Southern Islands title of the 2013 National Collegiate Championship (NCC) last night at the Cebu Coliseum.

Aside from advancing into the Final Four of the NCC, the Cobras also avenged their heartbreaking best-of-five final series loss against the Lancers during the 13th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men's basketball championship last month.

The Cobras got off to a hot start to mount an imposing 23-7 lead in the opening period.  Cameroonian

Landry Sanjo and Monbert Arong continued SWU’s offensive onslaught in the second quarter that handed them a comfortable 21-point advantage,

Playing without their head coach Donbel Belano who was ejected in the third period after a technical foul and trailing 14 going to the final quarter, the Lancers staged a courageous comeback to trim the lead down to seven points, 42-49 in the final 7:43 mark of the game.

SWU immediately unleashed a counter-attack as Mark Panerio hits a three-pointshot, followed by two lay-ups by Arong to raise back the lead to double-digits, 62-49 with 3:39 left to play.

Lancers made another comeback led by John Abad and Alfred Codilla to bring the lead down to four points, 58-62, with 1:13 remaining in the clock.

But behind the gallant efforts of Sanjo and Arong, the Cobras scrambled to regain their momentum and finally making some key plays that gave them a comfortable, 66-60 lead with 54 seconds left in the game.

The Lancers had the chance to tie the game, but they did not materialize and failed to score in every ball position. Arong’s two free-throws sealed the deal for the Cobras victory.

Arong unloaded with 24 points, Sanjo inked 15 points, while Adam Mohammed chipped in six points for the Cobras, who are headed to their second trip to the prestigious collegiate champions league.

Cedrick Akomo and Abad were the two Lancers who scored double-digit for the Lancers.

Cobras will face UAAP champion De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, NCAA titlist San Beda Red Lions and the winner of the Metro Manila/Luzon qualifier in the 11th edition of NCC that will kick off on December 19 at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Scores:

SWU (68) – Arong 24, Sanjo 15, Mohammed 6, Goloran 3, Panerio 3, Bregondo 3, Sewie 2, Bautista 2

UV (60) – Akomo 15, Abad 10, Codilla 9, Escocio 7, Perolino 7, Arong 4, Babia 3, Santillas 3, Caballero 2  (FREEMAN)