CEBU, Philippines - The embattled San Marino Corned Tuna-USP-F Panthers finally nailed their first win in six games following a 77-74 escape over erstwhile tormentors Kia Motors-CIT-U Wildcats in last night’s action of the CESAFI Partner’s Cup at the Cebu Coliseum.San Marino’s second unit did an excellent offensive job to open a 43-30 lead with still 6:54 in the third period.
This did not however last too long as poor defense highlighted by a string of fouls committed by Nady Banate allowed Kia to go on a 14-0 binge to take the upperhand, 54-53.
In fact Banate’s disqualification late in the third canto forced San Marino to play with only four players as the tournament allows a team to only field a maximum of five players each for the first three quarters.
Coach Raul Latonio’s charges were not, however that unlucky, as they played one man down with only 39.5 seconds left.
A coast to coast sprint drive by Joshua Corcilles to beat the buzzer allowed San Marino to put the game on a 55-all standoff at the end of the third period.
San Marino again almost lost its composure in the final quarters, but managed to get their acts back together to eke out the victory.
The team still dwells at the cellar with its 1-5 record, but at least it now has a mark in the win column.
It was an exciting fourth quarter with the outcome decided only in the final moments.
Joseph Sedurifa split his charities giving San Marino a three-point edge, 77-74 with Kia Motors getting one more try at the basket.
Kia, however, failed to convert when the buzzer sounded.
Brylle Meca was the only San Marino cog who finished in double figures with 12 markers.
Floyd Taboada led the 3-3 Kia Motors with 15 points and Vincent Menguito had 13. (FREEMAN)