THE TWO-TIME reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) champions University of Cebu Webmasters got their stint in the 64th National Students Basketball Championships to a rousing start as they blasted the St. Louise College of Baguio, 84-46, at the start of the competition yesterday in Dagupan City.
The Webmasters played with fire and intensity as they aim to prove that they are just as good without June Mar Fajardo.
The 6-foot-10 Fajardo led the squad to two titles in the Cesafi and one NSBC crown several years ago in Butuan. With Fajardo already playing with the San Miguel Beermen in the Asean Basketball League, team veterans Edward Pao and Brian Heruela have taken it upon themselves to shoulder the leadership role.
And they did just that yesterday as they zoomed off to a 20-point lead in the first period and never looked back. Afterwards, Pao offered an insight as to how life without Fajardo is shaping up for the Webmasters.
“We are actually adjusting pretty well. Me and Brian (Heruela) have a bigger load and responsibility to carry but now everyone is more involved on offense, ” said Pao.
Next up for the Webmasters are the NCAA’s Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals at 8 a.m. today.
The teams will play a single round-robin in the elimination round with the top four advancing to the knock-out semifinals. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio