UV steals Game 1 of NBTC finals

The University of the Visayas went to Jancork Cabahug and his game-high 35 points in regulation then leaned on role player Marvin Oche in overtime to steal Game 1 of the SM NBTC League Cebu Finals from defending champion Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, 77-76, at the Magis Eagles Arena of SHS-Ateneo de Cebu in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City.

In a game that saw the second seed UV come out with more fire against a flat Magis Eagles side that went undefeated and topped the classification phase, the Baby Lancers controlled the game from the start and led for most of the way.

After trailing by one at halftime, 49-50, UV zoomed to a 64-54 lead courtesy of Cabahug’s 14 third period points. The Magis Eagles clawed their way back into the game tying it at 66-all on Jed Colonia’s free throws, then taking the lead at 68-66 on an Errol Pastor basket.

Then the Cabahug and Pastor endgame show took over. Cabahug tied it again at 68-all before Jimpaul Amistoso gave UV a 69-68 lead with 2:08 left. Pastor gave SHS-Ateneo back the lead at 70-69, 1:02 left. Cabahug replied for a 71-70 UV lead with 45 seconds left. Pastor wasn’t done, scoring for a 72-71 lead, nine ticks remaining. Cabahug was fouled with 2.5 seconds left and had the chance to win it for UV, but split his free throws, sending the game into overtime.

The extra five-minute period  turned into a show for the others of both sides. Andrew Velasco had the home crowd going with a triple that gave the Magis Eagles a 75-72 lead. Oche cut the lead to 75-73 on a free throw before Travis Mantua made a charity off Cabahug’s fifth foul for a 76-73 lead with 2:05 remaining. Justin Jake Rosete made a free throw to slice the lead to 76-74.

Left wide open, Oche stood tall as he drilled what may go down as the most important trey of his high school career from the left wing for the final score with 55 seconds left and neither side making any more baskets.

Cabahug led UV with 35 while, Rosete had 12, Jay Paraldo added 11. Pastor led the Magis Eagles with 28 while Velasco had 10 and Colonia 9.

UV now enjoys the momentum as they head into Game 2 which was being played as of this writing at the City Sports Club Cebu.  If necessary, Game 3 will be played today.