SWU-Phinma in CYBL U18 finals

CEBU, Philippines — Southwestern University-Phinma overcame a never-say-die Mt. Olives School of the Philippines side, 84-74, to barge into the finals of the Under 18 division of the CYBL Summer League at the Aznar Coliseum Wednesday. And it was not as easy as the scoreline indicates.

MOSP was in control in the early goings of the game behind the leadership of Prince Soquiño, stunning the Baby Cobras by leading 15-11, at the end of the first period.

SWU-Phinma woke up in the second period though as Aljames Calizar scored seven points in a rally to give the hosts a 35-30 lead at halftime.

Coach Jerry Abuyabor’s main men Dezeo Villanueva and Charles Libatog then took over in the second half to spoil all attempts of MOSP to keep the game close.

Taking a 64-59 lead into the fourth period, the Baby Cobras broke the game open in the payoff period to seal a clash with Batang Mandaragat in the finals.

Villanueva scorched the nets with five triples as part of his game-high 26 points while Libatog had 17. Soquiño, who wowed the hometown crowd with his leadership and nifty plays, led MOSP with 24 points, Godfrey Sabanal had 17.

SWU-Phinma and Batang Mandaragat face off for the championship this weekend to cap the summer tournament of the Cebu Youth Basketball League. UV had earlier won the championships of the Under 12 and Under 15 divisions.