LSGH escapes, UV strikes in PSSBC opener

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning NCAA titlist La Salle-Greenhills survived San Sebastian’s stubborn stand and hacked out a tough 71-70 victory while defending CESAFI champion University of Visayas served notice of its bid with an 89-78 rout of Mapua in the sixth PSSBC Dickies Underwear Cup at the SGS Stadium in Araneta Avenue, QC over the weekend.

The Greenies banked on their defensive stance down the stretch to thwart the upset-conscious Staglets in their thrilling Group D showdown to set their title drive in motion coming off a big victory in the NCAA.

Vincent David tallied a team-high 15 points, including the go-ahead free throw with 14 seconds left, while ace guard Joel Cagulangin came up with a crucial steal in the closing seconds to help La Salle-Greenhills complete the escape act.

“We kind of got lucky with the win,” said LSGH coach Marvin Bienvenida. “Just like what we encountered in the NCAA Finals last month, it all boiled down on making the necessary defensive stops.”

The Baby Lancers, on the other hand, pulled the rug from under the fancied Mapua Red Robins in Group C encounter of the tournament supported by Choi Garden, Davies Paints, Cherrylume Roofing, Sumo GI Sheets, Molten and Masumax Food Supplement.

Former tournament champions Chiang Kai Shek College and San Beda also came out victorious in the opener of the six-day tourney which has Rudy Yu of Dickies Underwear as the league chairman.

Also sponsoring the event are Hapee Toothpaste owner Dr. Cecilio Pedro, Blackwater’s Dioceldo Sy, Freego Jeans’ Eduard Tio, Terry Que of Poly Gloss and Rain or Shine, Che Lu Bar & Grill’s Jimmy dela Cruz, MEC Computers’ Leoncio Chua. Ironcon Builder’s Jimi Lim.

Jancork Cabahug shot 21 points, hauled down 14 rebounds and made three blocks for UV Baby Lancers, who drew inspiration from the presence of their fellow Cebuanos and current PBA stars JR Quiñahan and Bryan Heruela.

CKSC, the 2015 titleholder, made quick work of Letran, 81-65, in Group B play while San Beda, the 2014 champion, overcame a tough stand by Manila Patriotic School, 89-78, in Group A action.

Evan Agbong had a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds while four other teammates added at least 11 points each for the Blue Dragons, who led by as many as 17 points in the final period.

Big man Sam Abuhijeh tallied a team-high 20 points while crafty guard Evan Nelle collected 12 points, nine assists and six rebounds to help the Red Cubs find their groove in the second half after a lackluster showing early on.

Going down the drain with the Patriots’ tough loss was the 25-point, 12-rebound performance shown by Gio Santos.

Meanwhile, Kiefer Cordero led the Squires with 12 points and seven rebounds.