CEBU, Philippines - Roy Sumang scored four points in the final 22 seconds of the contest to help the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors eliminate the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers, 79-76, in the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Sinulog Cup basketball tournament yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.
After a 20-all standoff at the end of the first period, the two protagonists locked themselves up in a tightly-knit match with niether team leading by more than six points.
The last deadlock stood at 75-all as a split charities by Wowie Escosio put UV on top for the last time, 76-75, with only 41 seconds left to play.
Sumang then came to UE's rescue. The spunky playmaker scored on a leaning drive from the right wing to give the Red Warriors a 77-76 edge with 22 seconds left to play.
In the ensuing play, UV can't make one good offensive after John Abad's pass was intercepted by Sumang, who was then quickly fouled by Cris Perolino in an effort to stop the clock. Sumang cooly sank his gift shots with nine ticks left befor the final buzzer to keep UE's title hunt alive.
Sumang finished with nine points for the Red Warriors, who drew 15 points for their 6-foot-7 Cameroonian center Moustapha Arafat. Abad paced the Lancers with 19 markers.
As UV proceeded into the showers without win in two starts, UE will figure in a knockout match against the San Beda College (SBC) Red Lions tonight for a final berth.
The Red Lions, who vanquished the Green Lancers last Friday evening, slugged it out with the Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras as of this writing last night. (FREEMAN)