Eliminated SWU Cobras pull off close victory over early finalists UST Tigers

Regardless of whether or not the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers played their best or not, a win is a win and the Southwestern University Cobras made sure of that as they upset the early finalists, 93-91, in overtime in the final day of the semifinal round of the 2012 Philippine Collegiate Champions League yesterday at the Arena in San Juan City.

Carrying the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) champions to the hard-fought win was Cameroonian superstar Ben Mbala, who scored 41 points and had 16 rebounds in an incredible performance that had UAAP and NCAA scouts salivating to recruit him.

But UST, alsready assured of a finals berth, opted to play without some of its stars including UAAP MVP runner-up Karim Abdul and sophomore sensation Kevin Ferrer.

Nevertheless, SWU head coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba was proud of this accomplishment. “You have to give it to the players. They really wanted to leave with a win,” the controversial mentor said as SWU finished the semis with a 1-2 (win-loss) record.

Asked about the prospect of Mbala being wooed to the NCAA or UAAP by scouts, Alcoseba said, “not on my watch.”

The overtime was forced by the Tigers after Jeric Teng scored on a putback that tied the game at 77-all with just seconds remaining in regulation.

The game was just as thrilling during overtime but the Cobras took a three-point lead, 92-89, after a trey by Monbert Arong.

But UST crawled within one after freethrows by Melo Afuang. Mbala split his free-throws to make it a two-point game. UST had several chances to win but missed on their three-point attempts as time expired.

UST will be taking on UAAP champions Ateneo after the Blue Eagles routed the San Beda Red Lions, 66-49, in the second game. The series will be a rematch of this year’s UAAP finals series, which Ateneo won for its fifth straight crown.