CEBU CITY – Cebu Institute of Technology-University stunned University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 92-90, on Sunday for their first win in the 17th Cesafi basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum.
Mark Kong scored nine of his 33 points in the fourth period capped by two free-throws with 26 seconds left for the Wildcats.
Kong also pulled down eight rebounds and added two assists to give the Wildcats a ray of hope after finishing the first round winless.
Mariel Munez had 24 points and seven rebounds, while Steven Bucao had 11 and seven for CIT-U (1-5).
The Wildcats stared at a 12-point deficit, 61-73, early in the fourth but rallied to take the lead, 83-81, after a pull-up jumper by Munez with 3:02 left.
The lead went back and forth until CIT-U surged ahead by four, 90-86, after two free throws by Marl Laguna with 1:08 on the clock.
USPF managed to tie the game at 90-all after two free throws and a lay-up off a drive by Lugie Cuyos. But on the ensuing play, the Panthers lost track of Kong who received the outlet pass, drove hard to the rack and got fouled to give him two free throws.
Lyndon Colina had 23 points for the Panthers, who fell to 2-5.
The scores
CIT-U 92 — Kong 33, Munez 24, Bucao 11, Sable 8, Laguna 8, Jabines 3, Rosell 3, Con-ui 2
USPF 90 — Colina 23, Cauba 11, Tenebroso 10, Cuyos 10, Patalinghug 9, Villarta 8, Batac 5, Alocillo 5, Cada 4, Avancena 3, Quiachon 2
Quarterscores: 21-15; 46-44; 70-61; 92-90.