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Reigning National Schools Basketball Championship titlists Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras proved to be rude hosts as they ambushed the visiting University of Luzon Golden Tigers, 88-52, to kick off their title bid in the 6th Asian University Basketball Championships yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.
The Tigers never stood a chance from the opening buzzer as the Cobras played like men on a mission, racing off to a 19-0 lead in the first five minutes of the game.
Leading their rampage was crafty wingman Alfred Belande, who scored nine of his game-high 18 points in that stretch to help the Cobras to a 24-7 after the first period.
Things just kept on going downhill from there for the University of Luzon as the Cobras poured it on behind the stellar efforts of shock troopers Ardd Django, Melvin Divinagracia and Eleazar Armecin, who combined for 15 points in the ensuing period to take a 50-23 lead into halftime.
Eric Zanoria also scored 16 markers for the Cobras while Divinagracia was the other player to reach double-figures for the Dodi Miego-mentored squad, with 10 points.
Jonathan Panunciar and Paul Saborbo each had 13 points, for the Golden Tigers.
Gracing the opening ceremonies were Basketball Association of the Philippines-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (BAP-SBP) president Prospero Pichay, Cebu City vice-mayor Mike Rama, Asian University Basketball Federation (AUBF) president and Korean basketball legend Shin Dong Pa and BAP-SBP regional director and organizer Lorenzo “Chao” Sy.
