UNIVERSITY of San Carlos bounced back from its harrowing debut in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup behind a 77-71 win over fellow Cebu-based school University of Visayas Friday at The Arena in San Juan.
Nico Magat came through with 17 points, Ian Ortega had 16, and Miguel Plata added 10 for the Warriors, who were embarrassed by Jose Rizal University, 61-78, during their first game in Manila on Wednesday.
The win evened the Warriors’ record at 1-1.
“Hats off ako sa players namin,” said USC coach Junthy Valenzuela afterwards.
“Yung game plan namin, 'yung heart at effort andoon. Wala akong masabi. Lahat binigay nila sa game na 'to.”
The Green Lancers an eight-point deficit to just 62-66 early in the fourth period, but the Warriors answered back with an 11-5 run to hike their lead back to 77-67 with 2:12 to go.
After an eight-point deficit at the end of the third, 55-63, UV came close, 62-66, to start of the fourth period.
John Abad's 38-point explosion, including six triples, came down the drain as the Lancers suffered their second straight loss in the tournament.
Raffy Octobre added 11 for the defending champion of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi).
The scores
USC (77) -- Magat 17, Ortega 16, Plata 10, Toyambi 9, Shooster 9, Bensig 6, Laude 6, Rabat 4, Lim 0, Oleodo 0, Trozo 0,, Pepito 0, Cortes 0, Rocha 0.
UV (71) -- Abad 38, Octobre 11, Mpolina 6, Amoquiz 6, Akono 4, Perolino 2, Codilla 2, Marquez 2, Arong 0, Segumpan 0, Aguirre 0, Escosid 0, Cabanero 0, Suerte 0
Quarterscores: 20-25; 40-39; 63-55; 77-71.
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