CEBU CITY — University of the Visayas won their third in a row, defeating University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 76-71, in the 2018 Cesafi men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday night at the Cebu Coliseum.
MVP Rey Suerte and Josue Segumpan dropped crucial baskets in a 16-7 run that put the reigning two-time champs on top, 74-64, after ending the third ahead by just one, 58-57.
Suerte canned a 3-pointer, Liberian forward Bassiere Sackor made a layup and Segumpan swished a triple in that telling rally that brought their lead to 10 points, 3:18 to go.
The Panthers pulled to within three, 71-74, after four free-throws from Mhike Patalinghug and an and-one off a putback by Nigerian big man Rich Managor.
USPF even had a number of opportunities tie the game but Patalinghug was called for a travelling violation, while Karl Langahin missed an open triple in the game’s dying seconds.
UV forward Jancork Cabahug then sealed the win with two free-throws with 1.3 ticks left.
Suerte had 15 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Cabahug also scored 15 and pulled down eight boards. Segumpan scored 12 while Sackor had a double-double of 11 markers and 12 boards.
After losing its first two assignments, UV is now at 6-3, moving to third place.
USPF, which started the season with three straight wins, have lost three of their last five matches to drop to 5-3.
The scores:
UV 76 - Suerte 15, Cabahug 15, Segumpan 12, Sackor 11, Maestre 9, Delator 7, Amistoso 4, Claridad 3.
USPF 71 - Managor 19, Mendez 10, Cauba 10, Patalinghug 9, Villarta 5, Quiachon 5, Langahin 5, Cada 4, Mangyao 2, Yap 2.
Quarterscores: 22-17; 35-38; 58-57; 76-71.
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