Gaisano Capital South grills San Marino in Partner’s Cup

CEBU, Philippines - The Gaisano Capital South-UC Webmasters launched a furious offensive at the endgame to turn back San Marino Tuna/CIT-U Wildcats, 81-75, in the Enervon CESAFI Partner's Cup 2013 men’s basketball tournament last night at the Cebu Coliseum.

Down by at least 13 points late in the second period, Gaisano Capital South bounced back with aplomb behind the leadership of Cameroonian recruit Arnud Noah to pull within just two points, 53-55, going into the final 10 minutes of play.

San Marino was  still up by four points, 72-68, at the final 2:35 mark of the contest, but Jan Michael Auditor, Noah and Kido Cabrera dropped three successive 3-point bombs to give Gaisano Capital a 77-72 breather with 27 seconds to go.

Interestingly, Noah was the lone double-digit scorer for Gaisano Capital with 20 points. They have a more balanced offensive compared to San Marino, even if the latter had four  players finishing in double figures led by Vincent Menguito, Floyd Taboada and Dimco.

San Marino threatened for the last time at 75-79, as Cabrera knocked in two foul throws in the final 5.3 seconds to settle the final outcome.

The scores

Gaisano Capital (81) - Noah 20, Cabrera 9, Ampoon 8, Auditor 8, Alocillo 6, Quintao 6, Asis 6, Tamparong 6, Smith 4, Yburan 3, Sigasig 3, Montilla 2

San Marino (75) - Menguito 13, Infante 13, Dimco 11, Taboada 10, Dela Cerna 9, Bucao 8, Taghoy 4, Ebona 3, Brigoli 3, Booc 2, Batiquin 2. Halftime: 27-37  (FREEMAN)