23 September 2018
CEBU CITY—The Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras put an end to an alarming skid after they frustrated the University of Southern Philippine Foundation (USPF) Panthers, 64-61, in the 2018 Cesafi men’s basketball tournament on Sunday, September 24, at the Cebu Coliseum.
The Cobras ended a six-game losing slide behind the trio of Gerald Fernandez, Red Cachuela and William Polican, who also scored in twin digits to combine for 37 points.
Fernandez scored 15 points, Cachuela finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Polican added 10 as SWU improved to 2-6 (win-loss).
It was SWU’s first win since posting an 87-53 dismantling of the Cebu Institute Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats in the opening day last August 25.
Against USPF, SWU squandered a 13-point lead but recovered in the closing minutes behind Polican, who dropped back-to-back triples that helped the Cobras turn a 56-57 deficit to a 62-57 advantage.
The Panthers suffered their third loss in eight outings.
USPF’s counterpart in the high school division also faltered as the Baby Painters bowed to the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Baby Jaguars, 69-77.
The University of Cebu (UC) Baby Webmasters improved to 5-1 (win-loss) after they demolished the CIT-U Wildkittens, 64-45.
Joshua Gellacone paced UC with 16 points, eight rebounds, six steals and two assists, while Ice Blanco, the son for former PBA superstar Dondon Hontiveros, piled up seven points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
CIT-U tasted its third defeat in five matches.
In the other juniors’ match, the University of San Carlos Baby Warriors (3-1) nipped the Don Bosco Greywolves (0-6), 59-53, to bump their record to 3-1.
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