UC Webmasters outlast Familya DC, advance in SLA 23-under playoffs

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters defended their home court with a gritty 63-56 victory over visiting Familya DC of the United States in the quarterfinals of the Sinag Liga Asya (SLA) 23-under division on Saturday, July 4, at the Cebu Coliseum.

The fifth-seeded Webmasters pulled off an upset over the fourth-seeded Familya DC to keep their championship hopes alive. UC now advances to face the winner between No. 3 New York Ascend and No. 6 Western Leyte College (WLC) Mustangs-Ormoc, who were still playing as of press time.

UC’s semifinal matchup is set for 7 p.m. Saturday at the same venue, while the championship game is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 5.

The contest lived up to its billing as a physical battle, with both teams trading technical fouls in a game that featured four lead changes and three deadlocks. Neither side managed to build a double-digit advantage.

Ricofer Sordilla once again carried the Webmasters, finishing with 22 points, four rebounds, two steals, and an assist. He was UC’s lone double-digit scorer. Joshua Sabando chipped in nine points, while Maverick Eligoyo added eight.

READ: J Project, Alpha 7 stay unbeaten in SLA Jr. Showcase

Stegmann leads Familya DC

Familya DC was paced by Paul Stegmann, who posted a 19-point, 13-rebound double-double. Ethan Laquindanum added 16 points, five assists, four rebounds, and a steal.

The game was deadlocked at 55-all after Familya DC erased a five-point deficit in the closing minutes.

Eligoyo broke the tie with a fadeaway jumper to give UC a 57-55 lead, but Stegmann answered with a split from the free-throw line to trim the deficit to 57-56 with 1:11 remaining.

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UC then tightened its defense, forcing Familya DC into difficult shots. Incoming Webmasters rookie Roderick Cambarijan knocked down a crucial jumper to extend the lead to 59-56 with a minute left.

Laquindanum then fouled Sordilla, who calmly converted both free throws to make it 61-56 after both teams had entered the penalty.

Familya DC had an opportunity to stay within striking distance, but Laquindanum missed both of his free throws. Forced to foul, the Americans sent Sordilla back to the line, where he sank two more free throws to seal the seven-point victory.

In the other 23-under playoff games, the J Project Boomers routed Shine Loreto, 80-57, behind Guile Guevarra’s 20-point performance, while Tumakbo United defeated Familya DC, 67-55, as Isaac Yuhico and Trey McMurtie combined for 23 points each.

Cebu City Tigers cruise

In the 17-under division, the Cebu City Tigers cruised past New York United, 76-48, behind Jacob Cortes’ 16 points and Lawrence Selim’s 15.

Last Shot Dubai also advanced after edging the previously unbeaten Gilas Montreal Canada East, 61-57. Eiron Shann Ramos led Last Shot Dubai with 19 points.

In the 15-under playoffs, Fil-QLD Australia dominated Young Vikings UAE, 89-56, behind Liam Abasalo’s 25-point outing.

Meanwhile, in the 13-under division, Davao Microsmith Elite overwhelmed Tumakbo United-USA, 114-20. Mateo Lucas Carpio, the son of Vice President Sara Duterte, paced the team with 22 points.

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