Don Bosco flattens UV for 2-0 start in Cesafi juniors hoop

The rejuvenated Don Bosco Greywolves showed that they are now a force to be reckoned with as they came from behind to take down the mighty University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers, 76-74, in the 16th Cesafi juniors basketball tournament yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.

Long considered to be a juniors doormat, the Greywolves showed that is no longer the case as they bucked the loss of ace guard JB Damolo and clawed back from an eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter to snatch their second win in a row, good for a share of first place alongside the three-time defending champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles.

The Magis Eagles earlier walloped the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildkittens, 82-36, behind a complete team effort that saw all but one player making it to the scoring column.

Coco Tuadles led the way for Ateneo de Cebu with 15 points, while reigning MVP Jed Colonia had 10 markers.

But all eyes were on the tiff between UV and Don Bosco especially after their preseason match in Cordova town that made the headlines because of an altercation that saw both teams empty their benches.

UV had the inside track on the win as it took a 70-62 lead, less than four minutes left. But the Greywolves got their act together and roared to within one, 71-72, after a floater by Geo Ibero and a lay-up by Ken Gato.

Later, Juan Miguel dela Torre scored on a follow-up to give the Greywolves the lead, 73-72, 1:23 to go.

UV regained the lead, 74-73, after Justin Jake Rosette stole the ball and went all the way in for a lay-in while getting fouled. Rosette missed the bonus free throw and the Greywolves quickly took advantage as Gato got the rebound and aggressively slashed into the lane only to miss his lay-up.

Al Mendez though, battled to get great rebounding position and tipped the ball up and back in to give Don Bosco back the lead, 75-74, 10.8 ticks left.

UV still had a shot to win the game but Mike Bayaton’s lay-up attempt went nowhere and Ibero sealed the victory by splitting his charities for the final tally.

Mendez had 17 points while dela Torre and Gato each had 11 for Don Bosco.

UV’s prolific forward Jancork Cabahug had a muted outing with just 15 while Froiland Maglasang chipped in 14.

In the other juniors game, the Cebu Eastern College Dragons (1-1) nailed thier first win with an 84-63 rout of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Baby Panthers (0-2).

In the lone collegiate game, the mighty Southwestern University-Phinma Cobras bagged their second win in as many matches with a 68-64 cliffhanger over the CIT-U Wildcats.