Like an animal trapped in a corner, the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars fought like there’s no tomorrow and emerged victorious, 68-58, over the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers to send the best-of-three finals series in the 2018 Cesafi men’s basketball tournament to a deciding Game Three on Monday.
Nichole John Ubalde gave the Jaguars a tremendous jolt of energy in the fourth period, scoring nine of his 18 points in that crucial stretch to help keep the Green Lancers at bay and tie the series up at 1-1. He also had five rebounds, two assists and a steal to keep USJ-R’s bid for its first title in 25 years alive.
Reigning MVP Jaybie Mantilla bounced back in Game 2 with a double-double performance of 16 points and 11 rebounds along with four assists.
Ewenike was a sentinel inside, with 12 points and 18 rebounds to go with five blocked shots.
Rey Suerte led UV with 17 points but struggled mightily from the floor, making just seven of his 27 attempts.
He also missed six of his eight free-throw attempts. Nobody else scored in double figures for the grandslam-seeking Green Lancers.