Lancers topple Bulldogs

UNIVERSITY of Visayas climbed out of a double-digit hole to stun newly crowned UAAP champion National University, 77-74, in the Elite Eight of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League last night at Cebu City Coliseum.

John Abad, Rhaffy Octobre and Steve Cedric Akomo knocked in clutch baskets in the final minute to seal the UV Lancers’ comeback from a 14-point halftime deficit, 28-42.

The Lancers, with Abad and Franz Arong fueling a third-quarter surge, rebounded from a 64-74 loss to defending champion La Salle for a 1-1 record.

University of San Carlos, meanwhile, turned back Southwestern University, 74-68, on Friday night to join the idle Green Achers on top at 2-0.

Cameroonian Shooster Olago buried 23 points to power the USC Warriors, who got back at the SWU Cobras after losing in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) Finals this season.

Nico Magat added 13 points, including a key jumper that cushioned the Warriors’ lead, 72-68, after the Cobras moved within a basket, 70-68. Kiefer Lim added for the Warriors.

A finalist last year, the Cobras virtually dropped out of title contention after losing their second straight game.

The eight squads are divided into two groups with the two teams with the best record advancing to the best-of-three title series.  Jasmine W. Payo

The scores:

USC 74—Olago 23, Magat 13, Lim 12, Rabat 8, Bensig 6, Arjon 5, Toyambi 5, Tagapan 2.

SWU 68—Sanjo 20, Parker 15, Holper 14, Goloran 8, Tallo 7, Bregondo 2, Luz 2.

Quarters: 15-16, 28-31, 55-42, 74-68