CEBU, Philippines — Jose Zaldy Dizon capped his explosive 35-point show with a buzzer-beating triple as the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu Fighting Maroons fended off the Benedicto College Cheetahs, 79-76, to barge into the semifinals of the inaugural Mayor Teresa Alegado Invitational Cup Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament on Monday night, September 9, at the Consolacion covered court.
With the score tied at 76-all, the red-hot Dizon punctuated his game-long brilliance with a stunning shot from beyond the arc at the buzzer that sent the Fighting Maroons led by coach Rommel Rasmo into frenzied celebration.
Dizon drew huge support from Matt Flores and Brandon Sainz with 27 combined points as the Fighting Maroons topped Bracket B with a perfect 2-0 record to set up a Final Four showdown with the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers.
On the other hand, the two-time Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) defending champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers also marched into the semis with a clean 2-0 slate after obliterating the USPF Panthers, 86-56.
Zylle Cabellon sizzled with 19 points while Steven Cañete and Albert John “AJ” Sacayan banged in 10 points each for the Bracket A top seed Lancers, who will face next the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors for a championship berth. — (FREEMAN)