Prime Asia-UV rules Partner’s Cup anew
The Prime Asia Pawnshop-University of the Visayas Green Lancers needed all of their veteran gumption and the help of a quick-trigger technical foul called on Kia Motors-Cebu Institute of Technology-University down the stretch to finally dispose the relentless Wildcats, 84-78, in Game 3 of the 6th Cesafi Partner’s Cup yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.
The Green Lancers wasted an 11-point lead at the start of the fourth period but still prevailed on the strength of consecutive three pointers by Franz Arong and Phil Mercader, and the controversial technical foul that was called on CIT’s Floyd Taboada, with a little over a minute left in the match.
The Green Lancers, thus, swept the series , 3-0, for its second straight Cesafi Partner’s Cup crown.
Prime Asia assumed control of the lead in the third, which they ended on top, 59-48, after being ahead by a scant four points, 32-28, at halftime.
Kia Motors refused to be counted out and rallied strong with a 10-0 run, with a three-pointer and a freethrow by Taboada finally giving the team the lead at 66-65 with 2:54 remaining.
Poise and precision was the name of UV’s game as they stayed calm and got a three from Arong from the left wing to give them back the lead.
Then, with CIT sticking to a zone defense, Mercader found an opening at the top of the key and made another trey to give them a 71-66 cushion.
CIT crept to within three, 68-71, after two freebies by Vincent Menguito and had a shot to come even closer as Taboada drove the lane and appeared to be hacked on the arm on his way to the rim. Much to the youngster’s dismay, no foul was called and he openly demonstrated his displeasure to the officials.
Referee Edwin Dejacto was quick on his whistle and slapped a technical foul on Taboada, giving two freethrows and possession back to UV.
John Abad made one of two freethrows. On their offensive, Arong hammered the final nail on CIT’s coffin with a long three from the left wing with 1:12 left that instantly deadened the Wildcats’ charge as it gave the Green Lancers a 77-68 lead.
Wowie Escosio had 21 points, 17 of which came in the first half, to pace Prime Asia.
