Cesafi Season 23: USC Warriors edge Verallo Blue Dragons
USC Warrior’s James Gica during an earlier game against the CIT-U Wildcats in the Cesafi. | File photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors outplayed the newcomers, Felipe Verallo Foundation College (FVFC), 56-40, in the men’s basketball of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi), on Sunday, October 8, 2023.
The victory improved the Warriors of head coach Paul Joven’s record to two wins and one loss, while inflicting the Blue Dragons their second straight defeat.
James Gica once again led the Warriors in scoring. This time, he unloaded 11 points, while teammate Bryle Puntual had 10 points during their game at the Cebu Coliseum.
Uriel Avila, Ethan Bakunawa, and John Ornopia combined for 19 points for the Warriors.
Verallo’s Kean Planco scored 12 points in their losing efforts.
USC started off hot with their blistering 20-point lead, 24-4, in the first period.
The Warriors capitalized on the Blue Dragons’ dismal offense, missing wide-open layups and turnovers which they easily convert to head into halftime with a 22-point lead, 33-11.
In the second half, the Blue Dragons of head coach Titing Manalili came alive and chipped away the huge lead to just 11, 38-49.
Still, the more experienced Warriors remained composed throughout the second half despite the Blue Dragons resurgence.
The Warriors maintained their double-digit lead all the way to the final sound of the buzzer.
The next game for the USC Warriors will be against the Southwestern University-Phinma Cobras on October 19, at 5 p.m.
Meanwhile, Verallo returns on Thursday, October 12, for a game against the defending champions, the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers. / dcb
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