The San Marino Corned Tuna-Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras forced a do-or-die Game 3 in the battle for third place as they decimated the Rose Aquarius-University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers, 88-61, in the 5th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) Partners Cup yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.
The Cobras turned the game around in the third period, where they outscored the Panthers, 29-10.
The Cobras broke the game wide open as they went on a 22-4 run to start the third period. They hit five straight three-pointers during that sizzling stretch, three of which came from wingman Eleazar Armecin.
Armecin scored 23 points built on seven three-point shots while Bon Guillena also waxed hot from the outside with 19. Rene Pacquiao manned the middle capably and scored 13.
When the Cobras were done, they stood atop, 61-37, and ended the third with a 24-point advantage, 64-40.
Joseph Sedurifa tried to fire up the Panthers by scoring eight straight points at the start of the final frame but the closest they got was at 20, 48-68.
Sedurifa led the Panthers with 16 while main man, Fritz Dajalos could only manage 10 markers.