THE CEBU Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats barged into the finals of the 1st Tabunok Inter-Collegiate Basketball League after they eliminated none other than the reigning Cesafi champions University of San Carlos Warriors, 73-67, in the semifinals on Thursday night at the Tabunok Sports Complex in Talisay City.
The Wildcats, a team that has languished near the bottom of the Cesafi for the past several years, is strongly making a case for this season as they got off to a fast start in the first half and led, 39-29, at the turn. Though the proud Warriors tried several times to rally, the Wildcats stymied every surge to come away with the victory that placed them opposite the mighty University of the Visayas Green Lancers in the winner-take-all finals.
That match was still being played as of this writing along with the battle for third place game between USC and the University of Cebu Webmasters.
High-scoring forward Joshua dela Cerna and new recruit James Ferraren ran amok against the defense of USC as they had 18 points each while Steven Bucao added 17. Wilkins Sanchez notched 12.
William McAloney led the Warriors with 13 while Ian Ortega and Gio Laguyo tallied 12 and 10, respectively.
THE SCORES
CIT (73) Dela Cerna 18, Ferraren 18, Bucao 17, Sanchez 12, Pono 5, Alicaway 2, Russel 1
USC (67) McAloney 13, Ortega 12, Laguyo 10, Ecarma 8, Rabat 7,laviste 7, Oleodo 6, Langres 2, Cardenas 2.