UC Webmasters’ men’s basketball team players and officials pose at center court after beating USPF in a Cesafi men’s basketball game on Thursday night, November 10, 2022. | Dale Rosal
CEBU CITY, Philippines—The University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters avenged their opening game defeat against the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation (USP-F) Panthers with a 66-60 win in a Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc (Cesafi) men’s basketball game on Thursday evening, November 10, 2022, at the Cebu Coliseum.
Michael Diaz and Paul Galinato led the Webmasters with 12 points each while Jhiey Paraldo added 11 as UC clinched its third win in six games (3-3).
It can be recalled that the Panthers spoiled UC’s opening game with a 79-68 victory last October 16, 2022.
UC’s head coach Kern Sesante admitted that UC was a bit too confident during the opening game against USPF.
“We were unable to see USPF’s lineup during our first game. We were also overconfident and ended up getting surprised by USPF’s hustle. But we’ve already familiarized their style and we’ve already adjusted that’s why we were able to get the win,” said Sesante.
The Panthers were indeed outplayed this time around as they trailed by as many as 18 points, 37-55, in the final period.
UC’s Jasper Pacaña, Ariel Dinglasan, and John Quimado connived in a blistering scoring run, mostly from the three-point area, to establish the big lead.
USPF’s “never-say-die” attitude, though, gave UC a bit of a scare as it cut the lead to just nine, 49-58, after a 12-3 run with four minutes remaining.
Christian Jay Alilin, Winston Bingil, and Neon Chavez were at the forefront of USPF’s attack in that stretch.
Fortunately, UC quickly restored a double-digit lead, 64-52, off timely baskets by Galinato, Luigi Gabisan, and Diaz.
Alilin, Chavez, and Karl Langahin each scored 10 for the Panthers.
“We’re trying to maintain this winning momentum. That’s what we’re trying to do so we can make it to the championships. I just pray that my players will remain focused and determined in each game. We will take this one game at a time,” Sesante said.
/bmjo
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