The University of the Visayas salvaged what has largely been a disappointing year for the school’s basketball program as they captured their very first title in the Passerelle division after beating the University of San Carlos, 62-56, in the finals of the 2012 Milo Best Twin Tournament last Sunday afternoon at the Benedicto College gym.
UV made it to the finals in both the high school and collegiate divisions of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. only to lose both series.
But the Passerelle team offered a ray of sunlight for the beleaguered program as it outlasted a USC squad that was also hungry for the crown.
UV surged ahead, 23-9, after the opening canto but suddenly was bitten by the complacency bug and managed just two in the ensuing period which allowed USC to come close, 23-24, at the turn. UV remained ahead, 41-37, after the third, which set the stage up for a close finish.
Down 51-56, USC’s Paul Galinato and Carlo Ortega delivered the goods to tie the game at 56-all, 2:02 remaining in the game. But the cheers by USC were just as quickly silenced by UV’s Frederick Pasturan, whose nifty lay-in put them in front 10 seconds later. Tournament MVP, Dave Cabanilla, added a free-throw for a 59-56 tally.
Galinato had a chance to cut the lead to one with a trip to the line with 1:15 remaining, but missed both charities. USC had another chance to score after UV was called for a 24-second shot clock violation, but couldn’t convert. All in all, USC missed six attempts from the line in the final canto.
As USC fouled to stop the clock, Cabanilla sealed the win and the title with three more free throws. Cabanilla led UV with 20 points while Jun Manzo added 10. Ortega led USC with 16 points.
In the game for third place, Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu vented its frustration from the semis loss to USC by beating Cebu Eastern College, 70-45.
UV will represent Cebu in the Visayas Regional Finals of the tournament, which will be hosted by Iloilo City Nov. 16 to 19. Correspondent Jonas Panerio