THE Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles and the University of San Carlos B Warriors will clash in the finals of the under-18 division of the Cebu Youth Basketball League after they hurdled their respective semifinal opponents on Thursday at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation gym.
The Magis Eagles survived a huge fightback by the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panthers and prevailed, 64-53. The Warriors also did the same against the USC Juniors squad to win, 46-42, to set up what is expected to be a feisty finals showdown.
Ateneo de Cebu got off to fast start against USPF and led, 20-7. However, the Panthers found their second wind and rallied in the third and fourth periods before big man Wayne Bersaluna stemmed the tide with timely baskets inside over the much shorter USPF frontline.
He finished with 14 points, nine of which came in the penultimate period. Reigning Cesafi juniors MVP Jed Colonia added nine.
In the other semis game, USC’s juniors squad bravely put up a gallant squad in the fourth as they leaned on their fresh legs and frenetic defense to come close to
USC Team B. But Jair Igna and Richmond Bulibuli doused the fire by scoring a triple each to secure the victory. USC’s juniors team actually outscored the Warriors B, 18-7, in the final canto.
Bryan Divinagracia led the winners with 11 while Igna chipped in nine.