USPF bantams shock UV

Rojan Montemayor dropped 13 of his 28 points in the final period as the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers stunned the defending champion University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers, 78-73, at the start of the 18th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) basketball pre-season games yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.

Montemayor, whose talent was spotted by USPF while playing for Alegria in the Cebu Governor's Cup basketball tournament last year, delivered big shots when it mattered most for the Baby Panthers in the crucial stretch.

Cris Isabelo, another Gov's Cup mainstay under Team Mandaue, chipped in 16 markers for the Baby Panthers, who used a strong 22-9 start to rattle the Baby Lancers.

Flashing the heart of champs, the Baby Lancers, who ended the five-year reign of four-time titleholders Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu

(SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles last year, staged a daring fightback to pull within just two points after three quarters, 48-50.

The Baby Panthers of coach Alan Cabatingan, however, put up a stifling defense in the payoff period and aided by the hot hands of Montemayor, they went on to score a rare victory to remember against the heavily favored Baby Lancers.

Joshua Yerro paced UV with 17 points followed by Abrew Actub with 12 points, but reigning MVP Beirn Anthony Laurente was held off to a paltry six points. —