SWU bags 2nd CBA cage title

CEBU, Philippines - The Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras proved to be the superior team as they routed the Asian College of Technology (ACT) Cyber Knights, 98-85, in the deciding match of their best-of-three finals series to win the championship of the 2nd Cebu Basketball Association (CBA)-M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Mayor's Cup the other night at the Cebu Coliseum.

After a lackluster performance in Game 2, spunky guard Jeff Viernes stepped bigtime and exploded with 24 points as the Cobras of legendary coach Raul "Yayoy" D. Alcoseba took home the P100,000 bounty. ACT pocketed P50,000.

Viernes was heavily backed up by Jessmar Villahermosa with 21 points, while Lyle Antipuesto and Abby Santos added 25 markers combined for the Cobras, who kept their offensive guns ablaze right after the opening bell on the way to post a 14-point advantage, 60-46, at the intermission.

It was a one-sided match as the Cobras outfoxed the hapless Cyber Knights the entire 40-minute skirmish.

Viernes once again delivered the goods with three straight baskets in the third quarter, while Santos pounced his way at the shaded lane with authority to pad the Cobras' lead to 18 points, 75-57, with 3:46 into the final period.

Despite leading by a mile, the Cobras did not flirt with complacency. They even sustained their sizzling rally until the closing minutes to bury the Cyber Knights by as much as 22 points at ther final 3:55 mark of the contest.

Dreaded sharp-shooter Stephen Padilla topped ACT with 20 points. Jan Villaver netted 14 markers, while Mike Luga and Mark Magsumbol chipped in 13 apiece.

The scores

SWU (98) – Viernes 24, Villahermosa 20, Antipuesto 13, Santos 12, Aboude 11, Armecin 11, Padillo 5, Dumapi 2

ACT (85) – Padilla 20, Villaver 14, Luga 13, Magsumbol 13, Bucao 12, Ursal 6, Lao 3, Cincoflores 2, Nuñez 2

Quarterscores: 35-28, 60-46, 83-63, 98-85 (FREEMAN)