FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — A strong third quarter helped University of San Carlos score a 77-71 win over University of Visayas, spoiling John Abad’s incredible 38-point explosion during Friday’s battle of Cebu teams in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup.
The Warriors turned a measly halftime lead to as many as 10 points on a 23-16 third period surge against their fellow visiting Cebu team for their first win.
“I give it to my players,” said USC coach Junthy Valenzuela, a former pro player. “They executed our game plan, and gave all their hearts and efforts into this game.”
A run by reigning Cesafi champions cut the deficit to just 64-68 in the payoff period, but USC managed to stifle UV’s run with the re-entry of Espoir Toyambi and Miguel Plata with six minutes left.
Nico Magat led the Warriors with 17 points on a 3-of-7 three-point shooting while Ian Ortega had 16 markers.
Plata also sizzled with 10 points in just 13 minutes on three treys even as foreign reinforcements Toyambi and Olago Shooster combined for 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Abad’s explosion, going 6-of-11 from downtown and 7-of-12 under the arc, went down the drain with the Green Lancers’ second loss in the tournament.
Abad had 25 of his points in the first half, but he didn’t get much help from the rest of the team with only Raffy Octobre finishing in double digits with 11 points.
UV’s African players Steve Akomo and Mpolina fouled out in the crucial stages of the fourth.