Webmasters survive Panthers for seventh consecutive victory

CEBU, Philippines — The University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters stretched their hot streak to seven games while the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Baby Wildcats pulled a shocker over the four-time defending champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 25 basketball tournament on Friday, November 21, at the Cebu Coliseum.

Luther Leonard and Ricofer Sordilla split their charities in the final 31 seconds of the close contest to drag the Webmasters to a 59-56 escape over the upset-seeking University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers.

Interestingly, Sordilla was the only UC player in double figures with 11 points laced with four rebounds and one assist as the Webmasters fortified their hold of the solo leadership in college division with a 9-1 win-loss card.

The Webmasters lost a double-digit lead, 37-27, halfway through the third period, with the Panthers pulling within just a hairline, 56-57, in the last 55 seconds.

But Leonard and Sordilla sank crucial free throws to give the Webmasters a three-point edge with only six ticks left in the game clock.

The Panthers actually had a chance to force an overtime but John Howard Taala missed his last-ditch attempt from beyond the arc.

Keaton Taburnal finished with 15 points and six boards while Paul Apolonio had 11 points and six rebounds for the Panthers, who dropped to 2-8.

In the juniors category, Geoffe Partosa sizzled with 19 points on top of six rebounds and one assist to power the Baby Wildcats to a 61-56 stunner over the five-peat seeking Magis Eagles.

With the score tied at 56-all in the final four-minute mark, Keiff Russel Suarez and Jero Deniel Rosellosa made big shots in succession before Cyrus Joeff Abadies nailed a free throw with only six seconds remaining to seal the huge upset that sent the Baby Wildcats to a three-way tie with the Magis Eagles and the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) inside the Magic Four on identical 5-2 records. — (FREEMAN)