CEBU CITY – University of the Visayas climbed back from an 11-point deficit and knocked off the University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 80-65, to capture the championship in the high school division of the 2018 Cesafi Partner’s Cup on Tuesday at the Cebu Coliseum.
The Baby Lancers trailed, 32-43, a minute into halftime but used a blistering 16-2 run at the end of the third to pull in front, 61-55. Albert Sacayan was the catalyst of that rally as he scored 10 capped by two triples.
USPF clawed their way to within six, 57-63, but free-throws by Sacayan and Joshua Yerro and another triple from Sacayan raised UV’s lead back to double-figures, 68-57, with 5:38 remaining.
Actub and Sacayan led the way for UV with 17 points apiece while Yerro added 16. Reigning Cesafi MVP Beirn Laurente broke out of his slump and chipped in 14.
UV head coach Delfin Pepito gave credit to his wards for the gutsy win but admitted that the play of his point guards left a lot to be desired.
“Our point guards need to make better decisions, especially when feeding the ball to the post. We’ll work on that before the Cesafi season starts,” said Pepito.
Neon Chavez paced the Baby Panthers with 14 markers.
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