Warriors tame Panthers in Cesafi

The University of San Carlos got back on the right track after they downed the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panthers, 83-73, in the 12th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) men’s basketball tournament last night at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Warriors started strong and led 18-6, but let the Panthers come close in the fourth.

Fortunately for USC, it had veteran wingman Mike Cantonao to rescue the Warriors from the jaws of defeat as he made consecutive three pointers to create some more separation and carry them to the win.

USC now owns an even 2-2 (win-loss) record while USPF remains at the bottom of the standings with their fourth loss in as many outings.

USPF wingman Joseph Sedurifa canned two freethrows to get his team within two, 73-75, with barely two minutes left in the game.

However, Cantonao freed himself up for two huge three-point bombs that blew the wind out of the sails of USPF. Later, guard, Nilton Otida secured the hard-fought win with two freethrows.

Chinese Stephen Que led the way for USC with 19 points while Cantonao added 16.

Nico Magat and Otida had 14 and 12 points, respectively. Sedurifa waxed hot in the loss with 25 points.

In juniors play, the Cebu Eastern College Dragons defeated USPF, 83-76, while the defending champions University of the Visayas got their sixth win in a row with a 101-86 thrashing of the University of Cebu .  The USC Baby Warriors also creamed Don Bosco, 88-32.