INQUIRER Sports

USC-BLUE skippered by Rico Abella edged BIR led by Yoli Meso, 80-78, Sunday in their semifinal match of the University of San Carlos, Parents Teachers Community Association (USC-PTCA) basketball tournament at the USC Girls High covered court.

The win pushed USC-Blue to a finals duel with USC-White next week, while BIR will face Red for 3rd place.

USC-Blue led, 35-27 at the half before BIR came roaring back in the third and snatched the lead with a furious, 32-22 run.

he fourth was a virtual dogfight with several deadlocks and lead changes until Blue's Frankie Lastimoso nailed a crucial triple in the final 10 seconds that tied the count at 78-all and in the return play, he scored on a steal for the cardiac, 80-78 tally.

Lastimoso led USC-Blue with a game-high 28 points while Jessie Lumantas paced BIR with 21 markers.

BOX SCORES:

USC-BLUE (80)- Lastimoso 28, Abella 14, Fernandez 11, Nioda 7, Nacua 6, Hipolito 4, Satorre 2, Lara 2, Arquilos 2, Gayoso 2, Ablanque 2.

BIR (78)- Lumantas 21, Santiago 19, Legarde 17, Alburo 6, Diamos 6, Meso 4, Victor 3, Galvez 2. Correspondent Dale Rosal