Jaguars fuel Final Four drive with 35-point rout of Mustangs

CEBU, Philippines — The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars thrashed the Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges (CRMC) Mustangs, 92-57, to bolster their Final Four campaign in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 24 basketball tournament on Sunday, November 10, at the Cebu Coliseum.

Alcher Obra bagged 17 points on a spectacular 8-of-11 shooting from the field with three rebounds while Lorenzo Gabriel Saraum added 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal as the Jaguars produced a balanced offensive performance in the wire-to-wire triumph that improved their record to 4-3.

Top gunner Elmer Echavez, Jr. scored only eight but was tenacious in defense with 15 rebounds for the Jaguars, who can secure a semifinal seat if they get past the Benedicto College (BC) Cheetahs in their 6:45 p.m. duel today (Tuesday, November 12).

Earl Laniton, Keaton Taburnal and Redjhee Recimiento connived for 35 points but to no avail as the Mustangs suffered their fifth loss in six matches.

In the juniors division, the USJ-R Baby Jaguars escaped with a thrilling 58-56 win over the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons to strengthen their bid for a top two spot and a twice-to-beat advantage in the last round of four.

Kyle Matthew Barrieta finished with 13 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals while Neil Narvaez delivered a double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds as the Baby Jaguars remained on top of the totem pole with an 8-1 slate.

Despite the stellar showing of Kenneth Robert Fuller who scattered 20 points, eight rebounds, seven steals and two assists, the Dragons fell to 6-3 but are still in contention in the tight semifinal race.

On the other hand, the University of Cebu (UC) Baby Webmasters brightened up their semis hopes with an 81-54 blowout of the BC Baby Cheetahs.

Jake Lordwin Yong cashed in 15 points, four rebounds, one assist and four steals for the Baby Webmasters, who pushed themselves at joint third and fourth spots with the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers on identical 7-2 cards.

In other result, Felix Jamael Ragasajo sizzled with 19 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, five steals and two blocks while Wade Adam Luche and Rafael Calo combined for 23 points as the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) clobbered the CRMC Baby Mustangs, 95-46, for their only fourth victory in nine games. — (FREEMAN)