Kia Motors-CIT-U crawls back from 16-point deficit to trounce San Marino-USPF

The Kia Motors-Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT–U) Wildcats displayed their resiliency as they fought back from a 16-point deficit in the second half to upend the San Marino Corned Tuna-University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers, 89-87, in the 6th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. Partner’s Cup yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.

Jeffrey Taghoy hit the big-time shots in crunchtime while Axel Rabaya sank the game-sealing freethrows as the Wildcats debuted in style while the Panthers fell to their second loss in as many games.

The Panthers had control of the match as they led, 26-16, after the opening canto. They pushed their lead to 14, 45-31, at halftime but CIT-U started to show fight in the second half.

The Wildcats trimmed the deficit down to just six, 62-68, after some tough and gritty play from newcomers Jestoni Baclaan and Vincent Menguito.

USPF continued to lead in the fourth but were finally caught by the Wildcats as Franklin Batiquin hit a booming three-pointer from the corner that tied the game at 79 with 2:21 left. Later, he stole the ball in the backcourt and went all the way to the rack for the go-ahead basket, 81-79.

The Panthers tied the match at 81-apiece but Taghoy swished a trey for an 84-81 lead.

The count was tied for the last time at 85-all with 17 ticks left before Rabaya sealed the win with freethrows.