IN SPITE losing ace guard Darrell Shane Menina to the Mapua Cardinals, the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters continue to chug along as they hacked out a 106-99 victory over the comebacking University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USP-F) Panthers in the Bogo City Mayor’s Cup Preseason Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Bogo City Sports Complex.
Rookie Melvin Butohan exploded for 29 points while super sophomore Justine Dacalos added 20 markers in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc.-sanctioned tournament organized by Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez.
With their trademark frenetic pressure defense in full effect, the Webmasters were able to pounce on the Panthers in the opening period to lead, 26-12. They kept the pressure up in the middle cantos before holding off a comeback-attempt by the Panthers of head coach Albert Alocillo in the fourth.
Still, the Panthers made a good account of themselves as they near their official return to the league after sitting out last season. Mike Patalinghug led the Panthers with 28 points while Ronald Borces pitched in 17.
In the other game, the nine-time Cesafi title-holders University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers displayed their readiness to ascend back to the throne as they defeated last season’s runners-up the University of San Carlos Warriors (USC), 71-64.
Teams will play a single round-robin with the top two finishers colliding in a winner-take-game for the crown and the P80,000 cash prize that comes with it.