SHS-Ateneo forges rubbermatch

CEBU, Philippines - With their backs against the wall and the thought of losing their championship lingering in the air, the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles buckled down to outscore the University of the Visayas, 84-72, in Game 2 of the best-of-three SM NBTC League Cebu finals, sending the series to a deciding Game 3.

The Magis Eagles seized control of the game in the third quarter, squandered the lead before standing their ground against another furious UV rally.

SHS-Ateneo led at the close of the first quarter, 22-16, then 40-35 at halftime. The Magis Eagles opened the second half on fire, breaking the game open and taking a 55-38 lead midway through the third quarter behind a balanced attack involving six different players.

But they suddenly went cold and allowed the Baby Lancers back into the ballgame with Jancork Cabahug leading a rally that closed the gap to 60-57 to end the third quarter.

 The defending champions finally took charge at the start of the payoff period, streaking to a 72-63 lead anchored on Travis Mantua’s triple with 4:56 left in the game. Alex Visser came off the bench and scored all six of his points in the deciding run. This time, they made sure that UV wouldn’t make another comeback. The closest UV got was at six, 72-66, 3:34 left and at 74-68 with 2:07 remaining.

Learning from their nine missed free throws in the fourth quarter and overtime in Game 1, the Magis Eagles buried their charities in the endgame when UV fouled. Renzo Calumpang, Jed Colonia, Andrew Velasco, Errol Pastor and Mantua went 8-for-10 from the stripe to ice the game.

Jed Colonia led a balanced offense with 17. Pastor added 11 while Velasco had 10. The SHS-Ateneo bench proved steadier with 11 players involved in the offense.

Cabahug led UV anew with 29 points, 21 of these in the first half as Jay Paraldo had 13. Game 3 was played as of this writing, with the winner earning a ticket to the national finals which will be held at the MOA Arena in March.

Meanwhile, PAREF-Springdale defeated San Isidro Parish School, 70-62, to bag the Division 2 championship of the tournament. They will face the champion from the Leyte leg for the right to represent the Central/East Visayas at the national finals. (FREEMAN)