THE University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars got its campaign in the collegiate division of Season 23 of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) basketball tournament off to a victorious start, as the team eked by the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, 60-58, last Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023 at the Cebu Coliseum.
Kendrick Abarquez showed he’s finally back from the ACL tear he suffered over a year ago as he played the hero’s role in the USJ-R win. With the game tied at 58-all, the Jaguars recovered the ball after a missed jumper by USC’s VJ Baruc. Abarquez then ran down the left side, received the pass, and scored on a layup to put USJ-R in front, 60-58, with two seconds remaining.
USC’s final shot went awry, giving USJ-R the thrilling win.
Veteran guard Justin Jules Langres led the Jaguars with 17 points, five rebounds and one assist.
In the other collegiate showdown of the day, the Benedicto College Cheetahs debuted with a 65-58 win over the University of the Philippines-Cebu Maroons. Den Rick Orgong led the Cheetahs with 16 points and seven boards.
In the high school games, USJ-R took down the City of Bogo Science and Arts Trailblazers, 68-52. Judd Rueda was USJ-R’s high point man with 17 points and six rebounds.
And finally, the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue routed the USC Baby Warriors, 82-58. Kian Luchavez took care of the scoring chores for UCLM as he registered 19 points, four assists and three rebounds. / JNP