CEC Dragons maul CBSAA Trailblazers in Cesafi high school cage wars

CEC Dragons’ players and officials pose for a group photo after beating CBSAA Trailblazers in the Cesafi high school basketball. | Glendale Rosal

CEBU CITY, Philippines—The Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons manhandled the City of Bogo Science and Arts Academy (CBSAA) Trailblazers, 80-61, in the high school cage wars of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at the Cebu Coliseum.

The victory improved the Dragons’ record to three wins with one defeat to stay at the No. 4 spot in the high school team standings, while inflicting the Trailblazers’ their third straight loss.

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CEC Dragons topscorers

Forward Caelan Mack topscored for CEC with 23 points 17 of which were second half points, while guard Lybron James Lamo also had a stellar outing after tallying 22 points. 

Jyle Roa contributed 15 points in CEC’s blowout win. 

CBSAA’s Vinz Roa was the lone double-digit scorer with 12 points, while Ryko Batuigas had nine markers.

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Seesaw battle in first half

Both teams had a back-and-forth battle in the first half, with CEC behind by four points, 31-35, entering the second half.

CBSAA was leading by four, 35-31, in the start of the second half.

However, things went downhill for the Trailblazers from their foul trouble, sending them early on the penalty. 

The Dragons took advantage of the situation to turn the table completely with their 19-point swing that put them ahead, 54-49, heading into the final period from Mack and Lamo’s scoring efforts. 

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Game filled with tension

Besides the seesaw on-court battle, the game was also filled with tension after CEC’s coaching staff exchanged words with a fan from CBSAA. 

Still, the game officials were quick to pacify the situation.

In the final period, CEC went full throttle after grabbing a double-digit lead for the first time in the game after establishing a quick 5-0 run. They stretched their lead 15 points, 64-49, with Lamo and Mack, leading the offense anew. 

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Why Trailblazers lost

CBSAA found themselves in trouble, after entering the penalty again, midway in the fourth period. 

This resulted in poor defense, plus their overall offense was dismal, paving the way for the Dragons to erect a commanding 20-point lead, 76-56, with two minutes remaining in the game. 

The Trailblazers managed to cut the lead to 15, 61-76, but CEC quickly retaliated with back-to-back baskets from Roa and Kenneth Fuller to seal CBSAA’s demise.