UV Lancers keep win streak with 2-point victory over USC Warriors

UV’s Jushoa Gellacone tries to pass the ball off to one of his teammates during their Cesafi Partner Cup’s game against USC on July 13 at the USC gym. | Jonas Panerio

CEBU CITY, Philippines — ARQ-University of the Visayas Green Lancers battled back from a 17-point deficit in the second half to take down the Cebu Landmasters-University of San Carlos Warriors, 89-87, and keep their unbeaten record intact in the 2019 Cesafi Partner’s Cup on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at the USC gym.

Left-handed forward Melvin Butohan was the man of the hour for UV as he scored the Green Lancers’ last two baskets including the game-winning layup with 10.3 seconds remaining. 

In the first game, Joemang’s University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters routed the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panthera, 102-85. The UC Webmasters improved their win-loss standings to 6-3.

Read more: UC Webmasters maul USPF Panthers in Cesafi Partner’s Cup

The Warriors still had a chance at either tying or winning the game, but they bungled their last offensive and was not even able to get a shot off before time expired, to give the Green Lancers their eighth win in as many games.

For a moment though, it appeared as if UV’s winning streak would finally end as USC’s Froilan Mangubat waxed hot from the field in the third canto, hitting five three-pointers during that stretch to help the Warriors build a 55-38 lead. 

But the resilient Green Lancers got their act together, pulling to within 10, 57-67, heading to the fourth before eventually grabbing the lead, 81-79, after two made free-throws by Gileant Delator with 1:44 to go.

The two teams went back and forth for several possessions but the Warriors surged in front for the last time, 86-85, off a triple by Mangubat, with 41.7 ticks to go. UV immediately called timeout and on the ensuing play, got the ball to Butohan who sank a jumper from the keyhole to put UV in front once again, 87-86.

On USC’s offensive, Sommy Managor got fouled but made only one to tie the count at 87-all. On the very next play, Butohan drove inside and scooped in a layup to put UV in front for good, 89-87, with 10.3 seconds remaining.

Jiesel Tarrosa and Sheldon Gahi led the Green Lancers in scoring with 16 points each while Michael Maestre added 14 markers.

The loss spoiled Mangubat’s 30-point explosion for the Warriors as they dropped to 3-5 in this tournament. Kurt Trangia had 18 points while Managor mustered only 11./dbs