Dragons overcome Baby Warriors

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons wasted away a 17-point lead in the first half but rode on the endgame heroics of Ivan Ares and Keith Soco to vanquish the Mandaue Hotel-University of San Carlos (USC) Baby Warriors, 71-68, for their first win in the 2018 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Partner's Cup last night at the Cebu Coliseum.           

The Dragons raced to a hot 10-2 start, then kept their smooth offense flowing to establish a commanding 44-27 lead with less than a minute into the haltime break.

After a short rest, however, a seemingly full-charged Baby Warriors slowly crept their way back to close within just two points, 50-52.

Things even turned for the better for the Carolinians after one of CEC's top gunners Nick Jalope was thrown out of the game due to a punching foul against USC's Justin Atilano with 34 seconds remaining in the third period.

Twenty four seconds later, it was CEC's assistant coach Mark Tallo who was ejected after being slapped by referee Gilbert Rosal with two staight technicals for excessive complaining.

The Baby Warriors capitalized on the opportunity to eventually have their first taste of lead, 63-62, midway in the final quarter.

That proved to USC's last hurrah though as Ares and Soco delivered crucial baskets to put the Dragons back on top by three, 71-68, with only 14 seconds left to play.

Still, the Baby Warriors had several chances to forge an overtime but misfired their targets including an ill-advised halfcourt attempt by Nathaniel Montecillo with four seconds to go that sealed their fate. — EBV