CEBU, Philippines — The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars shrugged off a lethargic start to fend off the gritty University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, 73-69, to barge into the win column of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 24 basketball tournament over the weekend at the Cebu Coliseum.
Trailing by seven, 20-27, early in the second period, the Jaguars came alive and launched a sizzling 15-6 counter-attack to wrest the driver’s seat at halftime, 35-33.
A neck and neck battle ensued but the Jaguars kept their composure down the stretch to secure a pulsating four-point escape over the Warriors.
Elmer Echavez showed the way for the Jaguars with 19 points on top of four rebounds, one assist and three steals.
Al James Calizar was the other double-digit scorer for the Jaguars with 13 points and seven rebounds.
Kyle Maglinte led the Warriors with a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds.
James Gica also finished with 13 points laced five rebounds, four assists, and four steals, while Rey Enriquez and Bryle Puntual conspired for 21 points, eight boards, and three steals but their efforts went for naught as the Warriors crashed to their second straight loss.