23 July 2019
CEBU CITY—The University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters bolstered their chances of earning a twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four round after they survived the Southwestern University (SWU)- Phinma Cobras, 83-80, in the college division of the 2019 Cesafi Partner’s Cup last Tuesday, July 23, at the Cebu Coliseum.
The three-point escape allowed UC to tie SWU at second place with identical 8-3 (win-loss) records. The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers sit atop the standings with a perfect 10-0 record.
Interestingly, UC and SWU’s final games in the elimination round will be against UV.
The Cobras will take on the Green Lancers on Thursday, July 25, while the Webmasters will battle the same UV squad on Saturday, July 27.
Tournament format states that the top two seeds in the semifinal round will be twice-to-beat against their respective lower-ranked foes.
Dead-shot Tristan Albina was deadly from the perimeter as he paced the Webmasters with 24 points. Darrell Shane Menina contributed 19, while Tosh Sesay and Rodel Gravera pitched in 12 each.
Lamine Thiam led the Cobras with a game-high 34 points.
In the other game, the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors nipped the University of San Jose -Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars, 71-66.
USC brightened its semifinal hopes as it pocketed its fifth win in 11 games. The Jaguars bowed out of playoff contention after ending the eliminations with only three wins to show against nine losses.
Sommy Managor topped the Warriors with 19 points, while Elmer Echavez spearheaded the Jaguars with 17 markers.
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