Wildcats fend off Panthers, Baby Webmasters now 4-0

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats held off a late rally by the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) to slip past the Panthers, 72-69, in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 24 basketball tournament on Tuesday, October 8, at the Cebu Coliseum.

Nono Matthew Paras scored 16 points on top of two rebounds and three steals, while Jerian Marc Abello added 14 points and two rebounds to help the Wildcats barge into the win column in just their second game of the season.

The Wildcats built and blew a 13-point advantage, 61-48, early in the fourth period but quelled an aggressive endgame fightback by the Panthers to secure a thrilling win.

Peter John Peteros nailed 17 markers laced with nine rebounds, one assist, and four steals while John Jasper Lumingkit posted a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds but their efforts proved futile as the Panthers stumbled for the first time in two starts.

In high school play, the University of Cebu (UC) Baby Webmasters outclassed their sister-team UCLM, 66-56, to stretch their hot streak to four games in a row.

Carlo Salgarino cashed in 14 points, 14 rebounds, three steals, and one block as the Baby Webmasters assumed the solo leadership in the juniors division with a perfect 4-0 record.

The Baby Webmasters quickly recovered from a slow start and went on to lead by as much as 13 points, 60-47, in the closing minutes of the contest.

Felix Rogasajo had 10 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals for UCLM, which suffered its third loss in four matches.