USC rallies to avoid upset, keeps UP winless

Sports

THE University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors used a strong endgame kick to dodge a major upset, beating the winless University of the Philippines (UP)-Cebu Fighting Maroons, 54-46, in the collegiate basketball tournament of the CESAFI Season 26 on Monday night, Sept. 21, at the Cebu Coliseum.

USC recovered from a sluggish showing in the first three quarters and booked a third straight victory to improve to 4-1 (win-loss).

UP appeared ready to end a winless start after leading by as much as 12 points. The Fighting Maroons had a 25-14 lead in the first quarter and took a 31-23 cushion into the half following a low-scoring second quarter between the two teams.

UP was still ahead at the end of the third, 40-35, but ran out of ammunition in the final period where it only scored six points.

The Warriors produced 19 points in the payoff period–enough to steal the victory.

James Paolo Gica topped the Warriors with 15 points and six rebounds, while Real Einer Aureo, Rey James Enriquez, Jhoernel Vince Tangkay, and James Tawacal added at least seven points each.

Aron Dave Kress scored 13 points and AJ De Los Reyes had 10 for UP, which stumbled to its fourth straight defeat.(CCM)