University of the Cordilleras Jaguars had a near meltdown late in the fourth quarter and managed to escape Saint Louis University Navigators, 83 – 76, in their do – or – die step ladder semis men’s basketball of the Baguio – Benguet Educational Athletic League.
With the Jaguars being held scoreless in nearly seven minutes of the payoff canto, Toby Fang-asan came – up clutch again for the Jaguars scoring their first basket in the quarter then sealed the victory with two free throws in the dying seconds of the ball game and repeat over SLU in their second encounter this season.
Fang-asan finished with a game high 21 points while Junlor De Guzman added 16. Jan Rasic Ganilo, who had a limited minutes after picking up his fourth personal foul in the second quarter came up with 10 points.
“I’m proud of these boys. Nakabalik ulit kame sa top three,” said coach Albin Santos. “Nawala yung laro nila nung lumamang SLU kaya sabi ko nung nag time out kame kelangan mag relax, settle down.”
The Jaguars were leading by eight going into the fourth quarter, 68 – 60, when SLU made their own run led by Angelo Cacho who teamed – up with Vence Nycum and later on with John Viduya and momentarily took the lead at 70 – 71 with 4:15 remaining.
Fang-asan then countered with a jumper from the top of the free throw line as UC retook the lead, 72 – 71 with 3:50 remaining.
Cacho answered with a three on the other end, putting SLU on top, 72 – 74 and padded their lead to four, 72 – 76, with 2:30 remaining.
Ganilo then fired a three to put UC within one, 75-76, while De Guzman scored on a jumper after SLU failed to score in the ensuing play as the Jaguars reclaimed the lead at 77 -76 with 1:45 remaining.
“After nung fourth foul ko nung second quarter, sanabihan ako na dapat relax lang at ilabas ko ung tunay kong laro,” said the graduating Ganilo.
Another steal and a jumper by Hamed Elhabbib almost secured the win for the Jaguars as they lead by three, 79 – 76 with 43 seconds remaining.
SLU failed to convert in their possession, with miscues after miscues as they end their campaign and finish fourth in the tournament.
Cacho who had five triples led SLU with 18 while Vence Nycum chipped in 11 as Zen Carreon added 10.
The Jaguars is set to face defending champion and second seed Cordillera Career Development College tomorrow, November 25, in the next stage of their step ladder semis series with the Admirals having a twice to beat edge. Roderick Osis
