Junior Webmasters clinch semis spot

CEBU, Philippines – The University of Cebu Junior Webmasters wasted away an 18-point lead late in the first half, but turned to the awesome foursome of Froilan Mangubat, Jason Abejo, Johnbryl Cuyos and Luigi Gabisan to terminate the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Baby Panthers, 87-76, in the 15th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. men's basketball tournament last night at the Cebu Coliseum.

The third-ranked Junior Webmasters, thus, advanced without any glitch into the semifinal round of the juniors division where they will be joining the already waiting Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles and the University of San Carlos Baby Warriors. The fourth and last semis ticket will be disputed by the twice-to-beat University of San Jose-Recoletos and the University of the Visayas Baby Lancers tomorrow.

Mangubat, who shot 7-of-13 from beyond the arc, dished out a personal-best 32 points laced with 13 rebounds and two assists, while Abejo, Cuyos and Gabisan came up with a similarly solid numbers as the Junior Webmasters exacted vengeance to their disappointing 93-68 loss at the hands of the Baby Panthers during their first meeting last August 9.

Abejo cashed in 16 points and 15 rebounds, Cuyos unloaded 15 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Gabisan netted 14 markers on top of a dozen caroms for the Junior Webmasters, who jumped the gun on the Baby Panthers right aftet the opening tip-off to establish a huge 35-17 lead at the 5:04 mark of the second period.

The Baby Panthers, however, staged a daring fightback instigated by Ain Obenza, whose seven straight points pulled them within just a hairline,70-71, with still 3:29 left to play.

That proved to be their last gasp of breathe though as Cuyos, Gabisan, Mangubat and Abejo came to UC's rescue by conspiring in a 12-4 blitz that practically sealed the deal for the Junior Webmasters with an unassailable 83-74 lead with only 11 ticks remaining in the gameclock.

Obenza scattered 27 points, while Dennis Archival banged in 16 points but their efforts went for naught at the Baby Panthers finally crashed out of the competition. (FREEMAN)