THE University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars remained at the upper echelon of the college division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) after a convincing 77-65 victory of Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.
After taking a 43-31 lead, USJ-R pounded on SWU in the third quarter in an offense led by last year’s MVP Jaybie Mantilla and Elmer Echavez. Mantilla captained the Jaguars’ fast-paced attack with his court generalship and hustle plays.
USJ-R’s lead ballooned to 21 points, 67-46, at the end of the third, which was capped off with thunderous alley-oop dunk by Tochukwu Ewinike from a magnificent pass by Miguel Gastador.
USJ-R maintained its sizable lead most of the fourth and even a 9-0 run from SWU couldn’t change the outcome of the game.
Mantilla had an all-around game of 19 points, nine rebounds and seven assists to lead the Jaguars. Ewinike had a double-double of 18 points and 10 boards, while Gastador added 16 points along with seven rebounds and three steals. Echavez also scored in double figures with 13.
Reeve Ugsang had 16 points and four rebounds, while Shaq Imperial chipped in 15 markers along with six assists.
USJ-R improved to 4-1 and sits at second place along with the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers, which also has the same record.
On the other hand, the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles defeated Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wild Kittens, 71-60, in the high school division.
SHS-AdC had a balanced scoring with Rey Lewis, Rafael Tan, Leobert Casinillo, Eric Tuadles and Jao Celirinos all scoring 11 points apiece. (EKA)