UV rules Junie Martinez Cesafi Pre-Season tilt

The UV Baby Green Lancers players and team officials pose for a photo during the awarding of the Dodong Junie Martinez CESAFI 2023 Pre-Season Juniors Invitational Basketball Tournament in Bogo City. | Contributed photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Green Lancers displayed its full potential after hoisting the “Sir Dodong Junie Martinez CESAFI 2023 Pre-Season Juniors Invitational Basketball Tournament” on Sunday evening, September 3, in Bogo City in northern Cebu.

The Baby Green Lancers edged their rival, the University of Cebu (UC) Baby Webmasters, 73-61, in the do-or-die championship match at the Don Celestino Martinez Sr. Sports Complex.

READ: Baby Green Lancers outlast Baby Webmasters in Cesafi Pre-Season tourney

UV pockets P40,000 champion’s purse

Aside from the title, UV also pocketed the P40,000 champion’s purse from the Bogo City LGU, which is headed by Mayor Carlo Martinez and Vice Mayor Mayel Martinez.

Unlike their dismal Cesafi 2022 campaign, UV shocked UC with its fast-paced game that resulted to them leading most of the game despite the short rest in between their games in the final day of the tournament. 

READ: CRMC Mustangs ready to compete in Cesafi 2023

Dela Torre erupts with 31 points

Nathan Dela Torre put on a stellar performance after erupting for 31 points while teammate Roderick Cambarijan Jr. chipped in 16 markers.

UC’s John Mikhail Lejare scored 13 points and Jay Palco added 10 markers.

UV punched a ticket to the finals after defeating the University of San Carlos Baby Warriors on their final elimination round match, 74-56.

READ: Trailblazers secure finals berth in Dodong Junie Martinez Cesafi Pre-Season tilt

UC beat CBSAA 

Meanwhile, UC upset the host team, the Bogo Science and Arts Academy (CBSAA) Trailblazers 87-71, to advance to the championship match. 

The Trailblazers went on to finish at third place after clobbering the Baby Warriors, 67-43. 

Felix Ragasajo topscored for the Trailblazers with 18 points and Vince Albao added 11 markers.

Box scores: 

Championship Game 

UV (73) – Dela Torre 31, Culdora 8 Cambarijan 6, Dagatan 5, Castro 5, Genadu 4, Cole 2, Drmante 2. 

UC (61) – Lejare 13, Palco 10, Borjal 9, Cabab 8, Yong 7, Abellana 5, Tanajora 5, Romanos 4, Villanueva 3, Sagum 2.

Quartescores: 24-13; 41-35, 55-59; 73-61.

Game for 3rd Place

CBSAA (67) – Ragasajo 18, Albao 11, Danggoy 9, Illustrisimo 8, Batuigas 7, Azipato 4, Barrieta 3, Naraq 3, Suico 2, Aballe 2. 

USC (43) – Fernan 8, Alejo 6, Cervantes 6, Pepito 5, Garcia 5, Kangleon 4, Ibarrita 3, Oclarit 2, Ecleo 2, Chavez 2. 

Quartescores: 19-12, 28-27; 48-37; 67-43.

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