UC fends off CIT-U, tallies 1st win in Cesafi hoops

Sports

LAST year’s losing finalists University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters squandered double-digit leads but recovered in time to turn back the upset conscious Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats, 74-63, in the college division of the Cesafi Season 25 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday night, September 16, at the Cebu Coliseum.

The rookie-laden Wildcats showed a lot of promise in the match widely expected to be dominated by an opponent touted as one of the title favorites.

But CIT-U, now coached by former pro Donbel Belano, stoo its ground and forced nine lead changes and nine deadlocks before falling down.

CIT-U even raced to an early 17-11 lead before UC fought back and appeared ready to break the game wide open when it surged to a 50-39 lead in the third period.

The Wildcats staged their own fightback as Kerith Khodie Piodo nailed back-to-back triples in a 12-5 run that put CIT-U in front again, 51-50.

CIT-U even padded the advantage to 54-50 before UC regained its rhythm and took the lead back, 55-54. The Webmasters went full throttle from there, unleashing a dizzying 14-0 attack to avoid the upset axe.

Ricofer Sordilla delivered 17 points, five steals, two assists, and two rebounds for UC, which also got 11 points and six rebounds from Danie Boy Lapiz. Ray Charles Libatog was the third Webmaster in twin digits with 10 markers.

Serafin Duarte had an impressive debut, leading CIT-U with a game-high 21 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Duarte was backed by Jerian Abello and Kerith Khodie Piodo, who tallied 12 and 11 markers, respectively.(CCM)