THE University of Pangasinan (UPang) Webczars stormed to an early lead and held on the rest of the way, wrapping up an 87-74 victory over co-title contender Lyceum Northwestern University (LNU) Dukes last Thursday during the sixth day of hostilities of the Mayor Al Fernandez Cup basketball tournament held at the Dagupan People’s Astrodome.

The Webczars of Cesar Duque, 2005 champions, seized control in the second quarter and used a formidable 23-point lead to cushion the two rallies by the Dukes in the final period.

Leading with a precarious nine points midway at final quarter, Webczars rifleman Bryan Santillan scored three straight clutch shots beyond the rainbow line plus the razzle-dazzle play of wily-guard Albert Carcha frustrating the Dukes’ comeback with 3:48 minutes left to yield a 13-point margin of defeat.

The Dukes’ loss puts them tied with the defending champions, the University of Luzon (UL) Golden Tigers, their victim during the August 16 encounter, and their conqueror Webczars with an identical card of four wins and one loss.

The league, using the FIBA tie-breaking rules, lifted the Webczars to capture first place from third in the team standings of the elimination round.

The Golden Tigers maintained its second position while erstwhile leader Dukes dropped to third.

“All of us stepped up. It’s not just one or two players who worked hard for the victory. It’s the entire team,” said head coach Angel Gumarang.

“We could not afford to lose,” said assistant coach Jun Amado, adding, “This big win is a psychological boost for the boys, something they needed after losing our first game against UL.”

Carcha, who shone the brightest among the Webczars, went on to finish a game high 29 points. Santillan scored 18, mostly from beyond the arc. Virgilio Olero, who carried the fight in the first quarter, had 12. Allan Roquin contributed 9.

In the losing effort, McCris Mabazza logged in a team high of 15 points. Lionel Razon converted 13. Benjie Labitoria, Cecil Aurelio and Mark Mendoza drilled in 11 points apiece.

Skirmishes resume tomorrow at the same venue with UPang opening the game against AIE-Commerce College at 12 noon.

Hapless teams AMA Computer College and Colegio de Dagupan collide at 1:30. PAMMA clashes with LNU at 3:00 and the last game of the day will be UL against Pangasinan State University at 4:30.—JAGJr.

TEAM STANDINGS

W                     L

University of Pangasinan           4                      1

University of Luzon                    4                      1

L-N University                            4                      1

PIMSAT                                    4                      2

Pang. State University               3                      2

AIE-Commerce College             2                      3

PAMMA                                    1                      4

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