CEBU, Philippines - Team Blue led by defensive gem Rico Abella pulled off a precarious 80-78 win over the BIR squad led by Yoli Meso to advance into the finals of the USC-South Campus PTCA basketball tournament at the school's overed court.
Thus, USC-Blue set up a titular showdown with White next Sunday in conjunction with the PTA (Elementary) Family Day celebration.
Frankie Lastimoso scattered 28 points, including five straight with less than a minute left to play to help Bluer snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Abella ably backed up Lastimoso with 14 points.
Jessie Lumantas churned out 21 points, while Jun Santiago added 19 markers for BIR.
The scores
USC-Blue (80) - Lastimoso 28, Abella 14, Fernandez 11, Nioda 7, Nacua 6, Hipolito 4, Satorre 2, Lara 2, Arquilos 2, Gayoso 2, Blanque 2
BIR (78) - Lumantas 21, Santiago 19, Legarde 17, Alburo 6, Diamos 6, Meso 4, Victor 3, Galvez 2. – GGM (THE FREEMAN)