USC Warriors relish bronze-medal finish

CEBU, Philippines — The University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors almost did not make it to the Final Four of the 23rd Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) basketball season.

Thanks to the league’s decision to forfeit the three won games of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars in the wake of EJ Agbong’s disqualification, the Warriors booked the fourth and last ticket to the semifinal round with a 6-4 win-loss record.  But the Warriors couldn’t rejoice fully knowing that they will face next the undefeated and twice-to-beat defending champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers.

The Warriors did put up a good fight against the Lancers in the early goings but folded up in the face of a furious third-quarter assault by their heavyweight foes that sank them to a 49-69 defeat in the semis.

Relegated to a battle for third place, the Warriors made the most out of what was left of them.

They went on to stun the favored third-ranked University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers via a 59-57 squeaker to take home the bronze medals in an unexpected finish for the Warriors.

It’s something that gave joy and pride in the hearts of the spirited Carolinians.

“Without my staff and the heart of my players, I don’t know if we can pull this third place this season. Their heart played a key role. We won because of them. They never gave up on each one and our team,” said USC head coach Paul Joven.

“Winning the championship is always the goal. But I told them were gonna celebrate small wins like third place,” added Joven. “More importantly, I always remind them that winning in basketball is just a bonus because getting good grades, passing their subjects, and graduating here in USC is what really matters most.” — (FREEMAN)