THE University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Baby Jaguars continued on their road to redemption as they won their second game in a row after defeating the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Baby Wildcats, 73-58, in the 2019 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) High School Basketball Tournament at the Cebu Coliseum on Sunday, October 13, 2019.
After starting the season with four straight losses, USJ-R has bounced right back with two straight wins to prop up their record to 2-4 (win-loss). According to prolific big man Kendrick Abarquez who stuffed the stat-sheet with 18 points, 11 rebounds, an assist, a steal and five blocked shots, the difference has been their much-improved cohesion.
“We’re playing more like a team now compared to the start of the season,” said the talented forward.
With four more games left on their schedule, Abarquez was asked if and the rest of his teammates believed that they could still make it to the Final Four, the young man answered in the affirmative.
“Of course. I believe that we can do it. We have the heart of a champion,” said Abarquez.
Helping the Baby Jaguars out was Partner’s Cup MVP Kevin Guibao who had 13 points, six rebounds, an assist, two steals and four blocks and Dilcer Gaviola who chipped in 10.
Meanwhile, in the first game, the SHS-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles boosted their record to 4-1 with a 73-52 demolition of the University of Cebu-Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue Campus (UCLM).
Lanky big man Joey Villamayor scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while LA Casinillo pumped in 13 points, four boards, an assists and two steals.
UCLM has now lost six games in a row and remain at the bottom of the standings with a 0-6 record.