USJ-R eliminates CIT-U

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Jose Recoletos advanced to the semifinals with a 68-63 victory over the Cebu Institute of Technology-University Wildcats in the 14th season of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) last night at the Cebu Coliseum.

Earlier, the University of San Carlos Warriors needed extra five minutes to subdue the gritty University of Cebu Webmasters, 69-66 as they made a nine-game streak to finish the double round elimination with a 9-1 win-loss record.

CIT-U who had chance of winning the game, did not only lost a crucial match but they also lost head coach Gilbert Demape who was ejected in the final 25.2 seconds of the third period where the score was tied at 46-all.

Demape will not be available for Widcats’ final game of the season against the Webmasters tomorrow.

The two teams traded baskets in the earlier part of the final period in which the Wildcats got a taste of the lead after Allan Dimco’s basket in the remaining 3:44 of the ballgame.

But Kevin Villafranca scored nine straight points to lead USJ-R into a seven point advantage, 67-60 that became the key for the Jaguar’s win that gave them a ticket for the semifinal round.

Villafranca led Jaguars with his 19 points while Cameroonian import Quentin Luzoladio became active in both offense and defensive finishing with 16 markers.

Joshua dela Cerna had a game-high 21 points in a losing effort for the Wild Cats who dropped to 2-7 win-loss record, while Franklin Batiquin inked 12 points.

The Scores:

USJR (68)-   Villafranca 19, Luzoladio 16, Labares 9, Regalado 8, Catipay 8, Suano 4, Galvez 4 

CIT-U (63)-   Dela Cerna 21, Batiquin 12, Dimco 10, Taghoy 10, Kong 4, Bucao 3, Aloro 3. (FREEMAN)