Mike Boniel of Ateneo de Cebu drives past a UC’s Rey James Enriquez in Game 1 of the Cesafi high school Finals at the Cebu Coliseum on Monday, November 18, 2019. CDN Digital photo | Gerard Vincent Francisco
Cebu City, Philippines–The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu drew first blood in the Cesafi high school finals as the Magis Eagles defeated the defending champion University of Cebu, 74-69, in Game 1 of the best-of-three series on Monday night, November 18, 2019, at the Cebu Coliseum.
The win meant the Magis Eagles have pulled themselves a win away from claiming the crown they last won in 2016.
Leobert Andrew Casinillo had a huge game finishing with 28 points, 10 of which he scored straight in the final canto. He also had seven rebounds and three steals.
Here’s the post-game interview with Casinillo:
The Magis Eagles used a blistering 17-0 run in the second period to pull away from the Baby Webmasters for good.
The run, spiked by two treys by Ateneo de Cebu’s Raffy Celis, allowed the Magis Eagles to take a 30-19 lead that gave them control of the game.
UC’s Maczi Micutuan and Isaiah Blanco helped trim the lead down to five, 36-31, at the end of the first half.
Ateneo de Cebu continued to pour it on in the third period, holding on to a 56-48 lead going into the final frame.
Casinillo exploded in the final quarter, making 10 straight points–including two three pointers–at one point that helped give Ateneo a 66-55 lead with six minutes left in the game.
UC refused to concede and managed to come to within three points inside the last two-minute mark, 69-72, after two booming treys from Blanco.
Casinillo, however, converted his gift shots for Ateneo de Cebu to eventually seal Game 1.
BOXSCORES:
SHS-AdC Magis Eagles (74) – Casinillo 28, Boniel 13, Celis 8, Dinglasan 6, Narbasa 6, Aguilar 3, Maglasang 3, Villamayor 3, Dadang 2, Jabalon 2.
UC Baby Webmasters (69) – Blanco 19, Micutuan 14, Lapiz 12, Sevillejo 7, Leonard 6, Balaga 4, Pondoc 4, Enriquez 2. /bmjo
Missed the game? Watch it here courtesy of Cesafi Live: