CABAHUG POWERS UV OVER UC IN NAGA

Johncork Cabahug steps up for UV, drops 20 points against UC

Despite losing some of their key players from their championship run, University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers still displayed their championship form after a 93-89 victory over University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters last Sunday, March 3, in the 1st City of Naga Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament at the Enan Chiong Activity Center in Naga City.

With UV losing its star Rey Suerte and its Nigerian import Bassier Sackor, Johncork Cabahug rose up to the occasion and exploded for 20 points to lead the Green Lancers. Melvin Butohan chipped in 18, while Jiesel Tarrosa added 13.

It looked as if UV was on its way to a comfortable win after a 12-point, 89-77, lead with five minutes left in regulation. UC, however, had a 10-0 run sparked by Jan Jabello and Shane Menina to cut the lead down to just two points, 89-87.

But UC missed two crucial three-pointers that could have given them the lead.

Menina and Tristan Albina logged 18 points each for the Webmasters, while Paul Galinato added 17.

UV was set to play the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers last March 4 to determine the top two teams that will compete in the semifinal round. A win over USPF would put UV at the top spot with a 2-0 record. But if USPF won, it would result to a triple tie in Group A. The quotient system will be used to determine the top two teams that will advance to the crossover semifinals on March 10.

Meanwhile, the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors clinched the top spot of Group B with a 77-72 win over Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras in the other game.

Kurt Trangia scored 19 points along with five three-pointers to lead USC.

SWU-Phinma was set to face the University of San Jose-Recoletos for the second spot of Group B. /