LANKY center Robert Codilla rose to the occasion to fire up his University of San Carlos Warriors in avoiding a major upset at the hands of the Cebu Institute of Technology-University Wildcats, 85-76, in the juniors division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum.
Codilla, a reserve slotman, scored 14 points in the second half which fueled the Warriors’ fightback from a six-point halftime deficit. Seemingly listless and uninterested, the Warriors were behind, 36-42, but were awaken by the sudden burst of Codilla who tallied six straight points for USC which got them going for a 58-53 lead heading to the final period.
Codilla continued his heroics as his up-and-under scoop shot gave USC back the lead, 70-69, with less than five minutes remaining in the game. He further cemented his impact by swiping the ball on the defensive side and went all the way for a lay-up. Mike Cantonao and Giovanni Padillo then finished the job off with timely hits.
Padillo led USC with 15 points while Sam Hermosa and Cantonao had 13 each. Chester Curso led the Wildcats with 24 points while Floyd Taboada added 16.
The Warriors improved their record to 5-4 while CIT-U remains winless in eight games.
The Wildcats will be hardpressed to claim their first win today when they face off against the Southwestern University Cobras. The juniors division will see the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles try to bounce back from their first loss of the tournament when they take on the University of Cebu Baby Webmasters.