STRONG START
The reigning juniors division champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles took care of business in their season-opening game as they beat the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation (USP-F) Baby Panthers, 68-55, in the 15th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) basketball tournament yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.
USP-F suffered another black eye as their come-backing Panthers got badly beaten in the second game by the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters, 69-91, in the college division.
Melvin Butohan led the scoring parade with 24 points, including 14 in a sizzling third period shooting display where he sank four three-pointers.
Clint Suelto added 13 while Justine Dacalos uncorked 12 to help the Webmasters even out their record at 1-1 (win-loss) after losing their opening game to the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars last weekend.
Meanwhile in yesterday’s curtain-raiser, Cadiz City-native Errol Pastor did not take long to introduce himself to the Cesafi as he demolished USP-F’s defense to the tune of 13 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block in an all-around display of basketball brilliance.
Guard Travis Mantua and Batang Gilas member Jed Colonia scored 11 apiece with the former padding his stat line with seven boards, three assists and two steals.
The Magis Eagles started off hot, leading 22-15, behind the combined 11 points of Pastor and Colonia. Mantua then entered into the fray in the second to push the lead further, 39-27, at halftime.