Cobras, Baby Jaguars gun for title clinchers

CEBU, Philippines —  The Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Baby Jaguars both go for the jugular but they must brace for a daring fightback from their rivals in Game 2 of the best-of-three 2019 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Partner’s Cup finals at the Cebu Coliseum today.

Unleashing a balanced offensive that saw five of their players cracking double figures, the Cobras trounced the ARQ Builders-University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers, 91-73, in the series opener last Friday night to move one game away from snaring the seniors division crown.

Shaq Imperial spearheaded Southwestern U’s hot charge with 21 points spiked with four 3-pointers.

William Polican banged in 19 markers, Dyll Roncal scored 14 while Red Cachuela and Senegalese wingman Lamine Thiam connived for 21 points in the Cobras’ wire-to-wire victory.

Imperial and Roncal combined for 19 points in SWU-Phinma’s vicious opening assault, 32-12, that left the Lancers groping for form the rest of the way.

The Cobras could clinch the coveted championship if they tame the Lancers again in their 7 p.m. showdown.

Like the Cobras, the Baby Jaguars also shoot for the title clincher as they collide with the Cebu Landmasters/Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles in Game 2 of the juniors division finals scheduled at 5:30 p.m.

The Baby Jaguars overcame the Magis Eagles, 61-56, to take a 1-0 headstart in their  race-to-2 duel. - EBV