USC, UV split CYBL titles

CEBU, Philippines – The University of San Carlos and University of the Visayas split the two age groups championships that were up for grabs Monday at the Cebu Youth Basketball League 2015:Season 8 at the SHS-Ateneo de Cebu Mango Avenue campus gym.

USC came from behind to topple UV, 41-34, in the Division 1’s Under 16 age group, while UV returned the favor by ousting USC, 36-26, in the Under 11 age group.

USC made crucial adjustments by going to a 2-1-2 zone defense midway through the third quarter to outplay a UV side which had controlled the game between the second and third periods.

After taking a 21-15 halftime lead, UV was in the driver’s seat as it enjoyed leads of as many as ten points in the third quarter.

USC then switched to a traditional zone defense which proved to be the turning point as they stifled the Baby Lancers and cut the lead to two, 32-30, at the end of the third quarter.

With momentum on its side, the rally carried over to the fourth quarter where Neon Chavez exploded for six points after a triple by Jholo Pakanna which got the Baby Warriors going. The zone defense silenced the UV side which could score only two points in the fourth quarter, and was held scoreless from the 5:45 mark all the way to the end of the game.

Chavez led all scorers with 11 points while Joshua Laurente added 10. Denzel Sabroso led UV with eight.

In the Under 11 title game, UV leaned on a big fourth quarter run to shut the door on a possible second title for USC. It was a see-saw battle with USC taking a 13-4 lead after the first quarter before UV took a 15-13 halftime lead. USC turned the tide for a 21-17 lead after three quarters. The final see-saw swing then went UV’s way as Kent Jason Dumandan took over for UV, scoring all of his seven points in the pay-off period to seal the win. Franc Gabunada led UV with 11 points while Sid Reroma led USC with 11.

In the title games of the CYBL’s Division 2, Ormoc cruised past UV-B, 57-37, to snag the Under 13’s Top Contender position, while St. John Seminary XXII surprised USC South-A, 60-43, in the Under 16 age group. Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion-Cebu outlasted Pajo Basketball Club, 35-20, in the Under 18 age group.

In the Division 1 Under 18 semifinals, USPF scraped past UV, 53-49, to seal a slot in the championship game against the winner of the semifinals game between Thumbs Up and USC. Also up for grabs is the Division 1’s Under 13 age group title which will be contested by USC and SHS-Ateneo de Cebu.

The CYBL, which is also backed by Virginia Food Inc., drew some 80 teams for its year-opening tournament, which features four age groups; Under 10, 13, 16 and 18. (FREEMAN)