Panthers hand Mustangs first loss | The Freeman

CEBU, Philippines — The University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers whipped up a courageous fightback in the second half to fashion out a come-from-behind 74-65 victory over league newcomers Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges (CRMC) Mustangs in the 23rd Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAF) men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday night at the Cebu Coliseum.

Alje Mendez cashed in 16 points,  Peter Peteros tallied 11 markers, while Neon Chavez and Winston Bingil Jr. chipped in with eight points apiece for the Panthers, who gallantly erased a double-digit deficit at halftime, 38-48, on the way to hand the Mustangs their first taste of defeat.

The Panthers seized the upper hand after three quarters, 61-59, then turned to a solid endgame finish to kick off their campaign on a bright note.

Five free throws by Chavez and John Lumingkit in the dying seconds sealed USPF’s rousing nine-point triumph.

Keaton Taburnal topped the Mustangs with 17 points while James Gelig had 10 points in a losing effort.

In the juniors division, the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) stunned the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers via a close 63-61 decision for its best ever 2-0 start in CESAFI history.

Revo Lao sank three 3-pointers of his topscoring 14 points while Geo Rey Lumagod and Kian Luchavez added 12 points each for UCLM, which sustained its momentum after downing the University of San Carlos (USC) Baby Warriors last Sunday.

John de la Torre nailed 14 points but missed a potential game-winning triple for the Baby Lancers.