Cobras finally earn first win in FilOil

THE M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-backed Southwestern University Cobras finally earned their first win yesterday after they beat the Lyceum University Pirates, 74-64, in the FilOil Flying V Hanes Preseason Cup at the Arena in San Juan City.

Reeling after four straight losses, the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) champions played to their potential to spoil the debut of the Pirates. Rookie African forward Landry Sanjo led SWU with a double-double performance of 11 points and 15 rebounds in 23 minutes of action.

More importantly, he had eight in a telling 15-2 run in the second period that established a 29-17 lead for the Cobras and eventually, a 34-24 lead at the turn. However, the Pirates kept the pressure on as guard Shane Ko anchored a 10-2 fightback that got them within six, 45-51, heading to the final stretch.

The Pirates got within just one but the Cobras caalmed the brewing storm with a booming triple from Melvin Holper. Former University of San Carlos guard, Jabby Bautista and Holper then combined for some more baskets down the stretch that ensured the Cobras’ win.

Holper led SWU with 13 points while Cesafi Mythical Five member, Monbert Arong added 11 as the Cobras improved to 1-4. Shane Ko paced Lyceum with 21 markers but shot a woeful 5-of-16 from the field.

BOX SCORES

SWU (74) – Holper 13, Sanjo 11, Arong 11, Bautista 6, Siewe 6, Panerio 6, Otida 6, Bregondo 5, Mohammed 4, Ortega 3, Goloran 3, Pajantoy 0

LPU (64) – Ko 21, Zamora 15, Lesmoras 9, Mendoza 4, Taladua 4, Azores 3, Edora 3, Francisco 2, Evangelista 2, Soliman 1, Garcia 0, Fabian 0, Lacastesantos 0, Alanes 0, Ambohot 0. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio