USPF downs DBC

The University of Southern Philippines Foundation Baby Panthers regained their composure in the second half to defeat the Don Bosco Greywolves, 80-69, in the juniors division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) basketball tournament yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Baby Panthers improved their standing to 4-3 (win-loss) with the first round nearing its close. Don Bosco, on the other hand, fell further down the pipe with a 2-5 record.

USPF had to fight for the victory as they lost a 13-point lead in the first half.

USPF led, 21-8, after the opening canto behind the superb shooting of their main men, Rommel Diapera and Winston Bolivar, who tallied six points each.

However, the vastly improved Greywolves stood up for themselves in the ensuing period, where they tallied a whopping 30 points while allowing their opponents just 13 to overhaul the deficit and take a 38-34 halftime lead.

USPF got its focus back in the third as it grabbed the lead back, 57-52, heading to the last frame. Then, eight points by Diapera on an array of mid-range jumpers plus a reverse lay-in by Bolivar gave USPF a 72-61 advantage with 2:24 remaining. Four points by Nierre and consecutive baskets by Mellijor got Don Bosco within seven, 69-76, but USPF was not to be denied as Jason Cando and Winston Bolivar stomped the fire off with makes of their own.

USPF’s dynamic duo once again reigned as Bolivar ended with 26 while Diapera had 23. The Greywolves were led by the 27 of Nierre.