USJ-R bantams stun UC in CESAFI

Mark Stephen Trillo transformed himself into a one-man wrecking crew by scoring 15 of his 20 points in the fourth period as the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Baby Jaguars seized the solo in the juniors division with a 111-96 upset over defending champion University of  Cebu (UC) Webmasters in the 7th Cebu Schools Athletic Association, Inc. (CESAFI) basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum.
Games today
(Danao City)
           6:00 pm SWU vs. CIT (Srs.)
           7:30 pm USC vs. USPF (Srs.)

Ephraim Elorde was as hot as Trillo, drilling in six 3-pointers in the final quarter to spearhead  the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby  Panthers’  109-68 massacre of  Don Bosco Greywolves.

The Baby Jaguars, who currently enjoy the temporary lead with a 2-0 slate, preyed on the weak defense by the Junior Webmasters. As a result, six USJ-R players cashed in double figues led by Xyl Jy Ponsica with 21 points followed by Trillo with 20.

When the Baby Jaguars crushed Don Bosco last Sunday, 80-59, that victory did not hold much water but now they gained much attention to other teams especially that the Junior Webmasters trampled on the UV Baby Lancers, 104-85, in the opening day last August 4 at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Junior Webmasters paid dearly for allowing the smaller Baby Jaguars to pick up so many steals.

It would have been a different story had the Junior Webmasters were shooting well from the field just like they did  against the Baby Lancers because that will force the Baby Jaguars’ defense to spread out. Unfortunately, that brand of game was absent for UC.   

The highly spirited Baby Jaguars only allowed the Junior Webmasters to lead twice in the early goings as they relentlessly battered their foes after wresting the driver’s seat. The win was already in USJ-R’s bag when it mounted an 18-point edge, 109-92, with just a minute left to play.

At one time, the Junior Webmasters threatened, 57-58, on a three-point play by Pelayo Cabañero early in the third period, but Ponsica and Miko Adam Marquez scored seven straight points and then Vincent Saladaga and Trillo joined the scoring fray as the Baby Jaguars installed a 77-63 advantage with 10 seconds left going into the  final period.

Earlier, Elorde had a stellar performance topping the Baby Panthers with 26 markers as they opened their season on a high note. Elorde is reportedly a former amateur pugilists before shifting his attention to basketball.

    The scores
    First game
    Juniors
    USPF (109) - Elorde 26, Bordalba 15, Cabatingan 14, Babiera 13, Dela Cruz 12, Lapiña 7, Ducay 4, Cañete 4, Abing 4, Ferraren 2, Unabia 2, Vergas 2, Misa 2, Escanilla 2
    Don Bosco (68) -  Belangel 14, Lapitan 9, Ruiz 8, Mellana 6, Villahermosa 6, Belciña 5, Escaño 5, Parcon 3, Basco 2,  Gabisan 2, Borbon 1, Bacalso 1

    Second game
    Juniors
    USJ-R (111)  -  Ponsica 21, Trillo 20, Muñez 18, Saladaga 16, Marquez 13, Regalado 12, Espiritu 5, Heredia 4, Dimaampao 2
    UC (96) -  Cabañero 24, Alviva 15, Seduirifa 12, Babad 12, Pearce 11, Cortes 10, Codilla 4, Catalan 2, Solon 2, Sealana 2, Nijaga 2