Games today:
Cebu Coliseum
1 p.m. – CIT-U vs. UC (jrs.)
2:30 p.m. – UV vs. USJ-R (jrs.)
4 p.m. – DBC vs. USPF (jrs.)
5:30 p.m. – USJ-R vs. SWU (srs.)
The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers leaned on their veteran smarts and the University of San Carlos’ (USC) own freethrow ineptitude to survive the Warriors, 54-50, in the seniors division of the 2011 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. basketball tournament late Thursday night at the Cebu Coliseum.
The Lancers improved to 7-2 (win-loss) while the Warriors are now at an even 5-5.
Edrian Lao finished with 14 markers while rookie Vincent added 10 for UV.
The Lancers had control of the lead for the entire game and it appeared as if they would cruise to the win as they led by 10, 47-37.
The Warriors crawled back as two layups and a straightaway jumper by Cid Cortes pulled them within four, 43-47.
Lao gave UV a brief respite with a tip-in but the Warriors continued their assault with Cortes adding another jumper and a layup off a beautiful feed from Sam Hermosa.
After a long pursuit, Giovanni Padillo tied the game at 49-all with a tip-in with 2:16 remaining.
But the Lancers relented and grabbed the lead back, 51-49, with a floater from forward Jerome Silva. Later, USC had a chance to tie the game as Nilton Otida was fouled by John Abad as he was driving. Nerves got the better of Otida as he split his charities, pegging the score at 50-51.
On UV’s next possession, Abad returned the favor as he fished a foul off Otida and promptly sank the freebies for a three-point cushion.
Still, USC was not out of it as Cortes was fouled by Abad, earning himself two free-throws. However, Cortes choked and missed his freethrow shots.
The Warriors were able to regain possession after that debacle and had a chance to tie the game but Hermosa missed a wide-open trey attempt from the baseline.
Hermosa paced the Warriors with 16 points. Correspondent Jonas Panerio