Cesafi Season 24: UC scorches USJ-R for another dominant win 

UC Webmasters players and coaching staff proudly pose for a group photo after beating the USJ-R Jaguars. | By Glendale Rosal

CEBU CITY, Philippines—The University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters made a strong statement in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) Season 24, outplaying the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars, 76-58, on Sunday night, October 6, at the Cebu Coliseum.

Building on their early momentum after a decisive season-opening win against Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges (CRMC) Mustangs, 79-65, the Webmasters now sit at 2-0. They are now tied atop the standings with rivals and defending champions, the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers, and the Benedicto College Cheetahs.

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UC wasted no time asserting their dominance on the floor, racing to an early 16-3 lead. They went on to push the gap to as much as 27 points, 51-24, early in the third quarter. 

Their size, suffocating defense, and relentless pace kept the Jaguars scrambling throughout the game.

While the Jaguars managed a spirited rally in the fourth quarter, trimming the lead to just seven, 50-57, with 7:02 remaining, UC head coach Kern Sesante quickly reinserted his starting unit to steady the ship. 

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Led by standout performances from Danie Boy Lapiz and Luther Leonard, the Webmasters responded with an 11-0 run, burying any hopes of a USJ-R comeback.

Lapiz, who took control of the game, led all scorers with 21 points on 6-of-12 shooting, including a 5-of-10 from beyond the arc. He added five rebounds and a block to cap off his stellar night.

UC’s depth also shone through with Jasper Pacaña contributing 13 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists, while rookie Jepherson Nonol and Leonard chipped in with 9 points each. 

Leonard also dominated the glass with 11 rebounds, as UC won the rebounding battle, 54-43, and outscored USJ-R in fast break points, 24-11.

Despite the lopsided loss, USJ-R’s team captain Elmer Echavez put in a valiant effort, finishing with 14 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 assist. 

But his efforts weren’t enough to prevent the Jaguars from slipping to a 1-2 record in the standings.

With lopsided back-to-back wins, the Webmasters have shown they’re more than ready for another run in the finals.