In the battle of two powerhouse Visayas teams, the USC Warriors prevailed in a close one as they win a huge encounter against UV Lancers, 78-75 to improve to a 3-1 slate and enter into the PCCL Semis games to be played in Manila.
Down by a solitary point heading into the second half, USC outscored their counterparts 24-13 to enter the final period leading by double digits. The Warriors lost their margin via the Lancer’s rally led by Frans Arong and import Steve Akomo. Arong, who played a splendid game against the Arellano Chiefs, picked up were he left off as he helped the Lanceds pulled in within one, late in the ballgame.
Leading by a small separation, the Lancers did well enough in sinking crucial freethrows in the remaining seconds of the game to seal the game. Chances for the Lancers to inch closer slice came but John Abad missed a critical bucket that led to charity shots for USC on their end.
Shooster Olago led the Warriors with 16 points while Lancers’ Rabat and Toyambi combined for 22. Steve Akomo finished the game leading all scorers with 22 for UV while star point guard Abad had a quiet ten points.
USC’s win-loss record is enough to advance them to the next round. UV dropped to 2-2.
The Scores:
USC (78) – Olago 16, Rabat 12, Toyambi 10, Magat 9, Pepito 9, Igna 8, Tagapan 5, Lim 4, Malana 3, Adlawan 2, Bensig 0, Arjon 0.
UV (74) – Akomo 22, Arong 15, Abad 10. Manzo 9, Octobre 7, Codilla 6, Perolino 2, Aguirre 2, Soliva 1, Santillan 0, Napao 0, Segumpan 0.
Quarterscores: 20-16, 40-41, 64-54, 78-74
photo courtesy of Ronex Photography
