Games today
Cebu Coliseum
1 p.m.- UV vs CIT-U (Jrs.)
2:30 p.m.-UC vs USJ-R (Jrs.)
4 p.m.- UV vs CIT-U (Srs.)
5:30 p.m.- SWU vs USC (Srs.)
The 10-man University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars eked out an 81-75 win over the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters at the start of the collegiate basketball wars in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) last night at the Cebu Coliseum.
Jaybie Mantilla, RJ Dinolan and Nelvin Navarra came up with timely hits that eventually broke the back of the Webmasters in a torrid and fast-paced affair. Mantilla sparkled with 18 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals while Dinolan and Navarra had 13 apiece. Rookie forward Albert Catiloc added 11.
UC led 63-55 early in the fourth but the Mighty Sports-backed USJ-R rallied to tie the game at 72-all. A free throw by Mantilla gave them back the lead and later, another free throw by Dinolan and a tip-in by Navarra pushed their lead to 76-72, 1:38 to go.
The Webmasters last threatened at 75-78 after two free-throws by Justine Dacalos but Mantilla and Catiloc sealed the deal with crucial makes from the line with just seconds to go.
Jabello led UC with 17 points while Culango and Dacalos had 11 and 10, respectively.
The first half was played at a breathtaking pace with the Webmasters pressing at every available opportunity. Tied at 17-all after the first, UC finally got the edge as Jabello, Culango and Gileant Delator made baskets to push ahead, 29-23.
But USJ-R pulled to within 27-29 before Jabello drained a corner triple to forge a 32-27 halftime lead for UC.
In the juniors division, the rejuvenated Don Bosco Greywolves broke a three-year losing streak in style as they defeated the University of San Carlos Baby Warriors, 81-70.
Al Mendez led the troops of new head coach Bon Rosito in scoring with 19 points, 12 coming in the pivotal fourth period where the Greywolves finally managed to break away. Prolific guard JB Damolo and Jomari Ranuco pitched in 14 each.
In the Miss Cesafi pageant, the stunning Gazim Ganados of USJ-R went home with the collegiate title while Southwestern University-Phinma’s Jozelle Bondesto won the high school crown.
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