THE UNIVERSITY of San Carlos-RDAK barged into the finals of the 2012 ThreeSixty Pharmacy Cup after they overwhelmed the University of the Visayas Green Lancers, 86-79, in the 19-under division semifinals yesterday at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu basketball courts along Mango Avenue.
UV seized the advantage early on, 19-17, but fell prey to USC’s depth with Michael Rita scoring eight points in the second period that helped push them to a 43-34 halftime lead. USC kept the pedal to the metal in the third as big man Matthew Parker scored eight of their first 10 points to erect their biggest lead of the game at 15, 59-44.
UV persevered and came back behind the relentless assaults on the basket by the athletic wing duo of Vincent Mendoza and Francisco Arong. They came within six, 74-80, after a fastbreak lay-up by Mendoza with 1:58 remaining.
However, USC hung tough and put the game away with three free-throws by John Saycon and Rita and then a steal and a lay-in by Saycon that gave them an 85-74 lead. Saycon led the way for USC with 14 markers while Parker got 12 and Rita had 11.
Arong exploded for 29 points while Mendoza settled for 16 markers.
USC will now await the winner of the semifinal matchup between Adgers Sportswear and the youthful CVIRAA Selection. The game will be held today at 10 am at the same venue. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio