USC Warriors blast UV Lancers

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors survived a fourth quarter rally by the University of the Visayas (UV) Lancers, 70-65, for their first win in the Cebu City Mayor's Cup Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament last night at the Cebu Coliseum.

Cameroonian Tuyambe Espor charted 16 points, while Charles Pepito and Jake Cortez turned in 12 and eight points respectively for the Warriors who withstand an aggressive comeback by the Lancers in the final period.

The Warriors of coach Junthy Valenzuela was leading by two points at the halftime, 31-29, before they launched an offensive onslaught in the third to erect a 44-35 lead in the 3:31 mark.

But the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc (CESAFI) champion Lancers controlled the tempo in the fourth canto as they outscored the Warriors and tied the game after a three-point shot by Arvie Cabañero, 55-all in the final 6:22 of the game.

The Lancers even got the taste of the lead after Alfred Codilla’s charity shots, 58-57 in the 4:59 mark, but that was the best they could master after Espor exploded with 10 points all in the final three minutes of the game.

Jean Marie Mpouma topped Lancers with 12 points, while forward Chris Perolino inked 11 points.

The Scores:

USC (70) – Espor 16, Pepito 12, Cortez 8, Laude, 7, Ibrahim 7, Ortega 6, Pajantoy 5, Plata 4 Bensig 3, Lim 2

UV (65) – Mpouma 12, Perolino 11, Codilla 7, Cabañero 6, Suerte 6, Segumban 5, Octobre 5, Santillan 4, Marquez 2  (FREEMAN)