Panthers nip Jaguars in OT, climb to solo third spot

CEBU, Philippines —  The University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers fended off the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars in overtime, 63-55, to bolster their Final Four chances in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 23 Men’s Basketball Tournament over the weekend at the Cebu Coliseum.

In a dazzling one-man show, Winston Bingil fired 33 points, including a crucial 3-pointer in the final 24 seconds of the regulation period that knotted the count at 53-all and eventually sent the thrilling match into overtime.

The Panthers kept their poise and composure in the extra five-minute frame where they handcuffed the Jaguars to a paltry two points while hitting 10 markers on the way to securing the big win that towed them at solo third spot in college division standings with a 6-2 record.

The Jaguars, who played without their controversial player Evan Jose “EJ” Agbong for the second time in a row since the league issued a formal statement about his eligibility that until now remains under question, dropped to fourth place with a 6-3 slate.

On the other hand, the Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras rode on the 25-point outburst of Kyle Maglinte to thrash the Felipe R. Verallo Foundation College (FRVFC) Blue Dragons, 69-47.

The Cobras improved to 3-6, while the Blue Dragons further languished at the cellar with only one victory in nine games. – EBV