Desiderio’s last-second three caps UV comeback win in Cesafi alumni all-star thriller

Paul Desiderio drilled a right-wing three with three seconds remaining to lift the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers past the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters, 85-83, in a heart-stopping Cesafi Alumni All-Star Game that opened the league’s 25th season at the Cebu Coliseum, September 10.

The exhibition clash, featuring former Cesafi standouts, looked like a UV rout after the Green Lancers raced to a 36-12 first-quarter cushion.

But UC’s veterans, led by playing coach and Cebu icon Dondon Hontiveros, turned the night into a classic.

With help from Luigi Gabisan, Bryan Heruela, Justine Dacalos, and Paul Galinato, the Webmasters slashed the deficit to 43-37 by halftime and eventually grabbed a 67-65 lead on a vintage Hontiveros jumper.

The final minutes turned frantic.

UC surged ahead 83-82 after capitalizing on a late UV turnover, but Hontiveros missed two crucial free throws that opened the door for Desiderio’s game-winner off a Harold Cincoflores pass.

UV then sealed the win with two defensive stops in the waning seconds.

Eman Calo topped UV with 14 points while Desiderio added 10, including the dagger triple.

Gabisan erupted for a game-high 24 points for UC, while Kelvin Juliane chipped in 13 and Hontiveros had nine.

The alumni showcase tipped off Cesafi’s silver-anniversary festivities, which continued on September 11 with a Hall of Fame ceremony honoring athletes, coaches, and contributors who have shaped the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. since its founding in 2001.