Warriors hold off Wildcats for fifth victory in CESAFI

CEBU, Philippines — The University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors squandered a 16-point lead in the second half but held their ground when the game was on the line to fend off the gritty Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats, 58-54, in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 26 basketball tournament Monday night, September 28, at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Warriors were still ahead, 47-33, after three quarters, but the Wildcats greeted the final period with a 10-2 blitz to pull within six, 43-49, in the last five minutes.

USC, however, proved to be a tough nut to crack at crunch time and walked away with a four-point win.

Enricke Joshua Herbito finished with 12 points and five rebounds, while Jhoernel Tangkay produced a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds, with two assists and a steal, as the Warriors improved to 5-1.

Braebon Ali Thompson posted an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double with three steals and a block,but his efforts went unrewarded as the Wildcats fell to 3-3.

In the juniors division, the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguar Cubs stretched their perfect start to 4-0 after beating the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers, 79-74.

Jhun Miguel Telmo bagged 17 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals, while John Gregory Caresosa, James Precious Ponce and Erron Jay Dimco tallied 11 points apiece to help the Jaguar Cubs keep their unbeaten record.

Kiz Lawrence Selim scattered 12 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists and six steals but his impressive showing proved futile as the Baby Panthers remained winless in three games. — (FREEMAN)