CEBU CITY — Reigning champion University of the Visayas made short work of University of San Carlos in the semifinals, routing the latter, 69-49, to advance to the Finals of the Chooks-to-Go-Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. Season 23 Collegiate Basketball Tournament on Tuesday night at the Cebu Coliseum here.
Kent Ivo Salarda had 20 points for the Green Lancers, including five in a 13-0 third period run that put UV firmly in front.
Lefty big man Ivan Clark Alsola added 18 markers for UV.
UV will wait for the winner of the other semifinal pairing between University of Cebu and University of Southern Philippines Foundation on Thursday.
Game 1 of the best-of-three Finals will be on December 12 still here.
UV led by only five, 29-24, at halftime but pulled away late in the third canto.
The high-flying Raul Gentallan—who was saddled by foul trouble in the first half—kicked the game-deciding run off with back-to-back buckets before Salarda canned a triple and a transition layup to put UV up by 17, 51-34.
Salarda then added eight—including consecutive triples—in a 13-4 run to start the fourth to give the Green Lancers a 63-41 lead, essentially putting the game out of USC’s reach.
Bryle Puntual was the Warriors’ lone bright spot as he tallied 24 points. – JP
