USJ-R stuns Ateneo, 74-68

THE University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Baby Jaguars pulled the rug from under the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. champion Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, 74-68, in the Cebu qualifier of the SM-NBTC League at the Cebu City Sports Institute on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020.

Down four at halftime, the Baby Jaguars made their move in the third canto, outscoring the Magis Eagles, 24-16, to take a 53-49 lead to the final period. The fourth then saw USJ-R stand its ground amidst numerous comeback attempts by Ateneo de Cebu to pull off the huge victory.

Ryzel Abatayo had an impressive outing with 20 points, two rebounds and two assists. Kevin Guibao added 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals while Anton Co put up 12 markers. Big man Kendrick Abarquez also had solid numbers with 10 points, seven rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot.

USJ-R’s win was not the only upset of the day as the Salazar Colleges of Science and Institute of Technology took down the University of San Carlos Baby Warriors, 89-86, in overtime.

Jude Betonio was the man of the hour for the Skyblazers as he notched a double-double of 27 points and 12 rebounds to go with two assists and three steals. TJ Matchete added 21 points while Mark Montanes also had a double-double of his own with 19 points and 11 boards along with five assists and two steals.

The Don Bosco Greywolves also upended the Tougher Gear-Southwestern University-Phinma Baby Cobras, 67-63. Jose Dizon carried Don Bosco on his shoulders with 22 points as Vincent Escobido struggled from the field, managing just 12 points on three-of-14 shooting. (JNP)