Wildcats escape San Marino Corned Tuna-University of Southern Philippines Foundation

Games today:

Cebu Coliseum

5 p.m. – San Marino-USPF vs. Gaisano Tisa-UC

6:45 p.m. – Lion Tiger-USJ-R vs. Kia Motors-CIT-U

The Kia Motors-Cebu Institute of Technology took a step forward in their quest to reach the semifinal round as they survived a furious comeback attempt by the San Marino Corned Tuna-University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panthers, 78-76, in the quarterfinals of the 6th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. Partner’s Cup last Thursday night at the Cebu Coliseum.

Kia Motors was in cruise control for most of the game as they led in each period but suddenly encountered rough waters in the fourth period when San Marino woke up from their doldrums.

The Wildcats led, 16-9, after the first 10 minutes and extended that advantage to 15 points, 38-23, at halftime. They still led, 61-47, heading to the last period but the Panthers crept up behind the shotmaking of Joseph Sedurifa, who led the squad with 19 markers.

Kia Motors stood its ground and held on to the win behind the steady leadership of guards Axel Rabaya, Floyd Taboada and Allen Dimco. Rabaya had 12 points while Taboada and Dimco each had 10.

The other scorers for San Marino were Joshua Corciles who had 10, and Brylle Meca and Art Camello, who had nine points apiece.

The top three teams after the single round-robin quarterfinal round will advance to the semifinals, where the top-ranked and defending champions Prime Asia-University of the Visayas await.

Today, the Lion Tiger Aerosol-University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars and Kia Motors try to secure their place in the next round when they face off against one another in the main game set at 6:45 pm. San Marino and Gaisano Tisa battle in the curtain raiser.