Lion Tiger-UV arrests San Marino-SWU’s winning streak

THE LION TIGER Aerosols-University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers are steadily gaining steam heading to the semifinals that starts tomorrow.

This after they beat down the San Marino Corned Tuna-Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras, 59-45, in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) Partner’s Cup late Thursday night at the Cebu Coliseum.

The victory stopped the Cobras’ three-game winning streak, putting their UV’s record at 10-2 (win-loss) at the end of the elimination round. The Cobras, on the other hand, dropped to 6-5.

The two teams are already assured of a slot in the next round along with the Gaisano Capital-University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters and the Rose Aquarius-University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers. Joining the Cesafi teams in the semifinal round will be guest team University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons of the UAAP.

The game was played almost on even terms in the first half, which ended with the Lancers on top, 28-27.

The third period was the difference as the Lancers came out smoking hot with a 14-4 run led by wily guard John Abad, who scored all 10 of his points in that stretch. Lion Tiger eventually seized a 46-35 lead heading to the final frame.

The Cobras were buried deeper by the Lancers in the fourth period as center Chris Perolino peppered the former’s porous defense with eight straight points that established their biggest lead of the game at 55-41. Perolino ended up with 13 points to lead the Lancers.

Meanwhile, the Winner Beef Loaf-Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT) Wildcats beat the Prime Asia-University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, 97-91, in overtime yesterday also at the Cebu Coliseum./Correspondent Jonas Panerio