CEBU CITY – University of the Visayas edged University of San Carlos, 70-69, at the start of the second round of eliminations in the 17th Cesafi basketball tournament on Sunday at the Cebu Coliseum.
The Lancers erased an 11-point deficit in the third quarter and went on to improve their win-loss record to 6-1.
UV got back at USC, which won their first-round encounter, 78-73.
Last season’s MVP Rey Suerte had 26 points, eight rebounds and three assists, making a turnaround jumper and a free-throw that gave UV a 69-62 lead with 2:27 to go.
USC fought right back as Arc Gabrielle Araw-Araw made two free-throws and John Reel Saycon scored a lay-up off a baseline drive to bring them to within three, 66-69, with 17.5 seconds left.
After UV point guard Sheldon Gahi split his charities, USC then found Saycon who connected on a triple from the left wing to bring the Warriors even closer, 69-70, with 7.9 seconds on the clock.
USC then fouled UV forward Monic Soliva who missed both his free-throws, but the Lancers retained possession after Warriors big man Julius Cadavis tipped the ball out of bounds.
USC forced a turnover on the inbound play and threw an outlet pass to a streaking Saycon near midcourt. But the rookie forward could not get a handle on the ball and failed to get a shot off as time expired.
Josue Segumpan added 11 points while Liberian forward Bassiere Sackour scored eight and pulled down 13 boards.
Saycon had with 18 points for USC, which suffered its second straight loss.
The scores:
UV 70 — Suerte 26, Segumpan 11, Soliva 9, Sackour 8, Albina 7, Napao 5, Gahi 3, Balabag 1.
USC 69 — Saycon 18, Araw-Araw 13, Divinagracia 8, Mangubat 8, Ecarma 5, Aranas 4, Oleodo 4, Cadavis 4, Tan 3, Oguis 2.
Quarterscores: 10-14; 36-28; 52-52; 70-69.