SWU tames SCSIT in CBA

CEBU, Philippines - Jeff Viernes scored 17 of his team-high 33 points in the first half to power the Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras to a 91-86 shellacking of defending champion Salazar Colleges of Science and Institute of Technology (SCSIT) Skyblazers in the final day of elimination in the 2nd Cebu Basketball Association-M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Mayor’s Cup yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.

The red-shot Viernes shot went 5-of-6 at the three-point area to help the Cobras mount a commanding 53-36 lead at halftime. They closed the third period though with only a 13-point advantage.

Ex-PBA star Dale Singson and wingman Mark Abadia tried to bring the Skyblazers within striking distance but they could only manage to cut the deficit to 10 points, 80-70, at the final five minutes of the contest.

After a timeout called by coach Raul ‘Yayoy’ Alcoseba, the Cobras again launched an offensive blitz spearheaded by Eleazar Armecin and Jessmar Villahermosa to restore their lead to 15 points, 90-75, with only 2:39 left to play.

That was the deciding moment of the match as Abadia tried to score as much points as possible but failed to give SCSIT the win as time expires.

Two other Cobras finished in double figures. Armecin chipped in 13 points, while Villahermosa donated 12 marlers.

Abadia paced SCSIT with 27 points, while Singson and Labares chipped in 29 points combined.

The scores

SWU (91) - Viernes 33, Villahermosa 16, Armecin 13, Villahermosa 12, Aboude 8, Santos 8, Padillo 4, Antipuesto 3, Dumapi 2

SCSIT (86) - Abadia 27, Singson 19, Labares 10, Berame 8, Isidro 7, Caputolan 4, Saguindel 3, Omolon 2, Galinato 2

Quarterscores: 23-19, 53-36, 79-66, 91-86 (FREEMAN)