Fajardo, UC Shine
Games today (Cebu Coliseum)
5:15 p.m. – USJ-R vs. CIT-U
6:45 p.m. – USC vs. UC
It was another day at the office for the University of Cebu’s 6-foot-10 center Junemar Fajardo as he led the reigning champions to a scintillating, 95-87, overtime win over the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars in the seniors division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) Partner’s Cup late Sunday night at the Cebu Coliseum.
Fajardo, also the league’s MVP and the National Collegiate Player of the Year, had a rousing debut in his last season donning UC’s colors as he scored 31 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, two blocks and two steals. However, it took some time before the Webmasters revved their engine up as they trailed, 11-20 after the first period and still trailed by five, 35-40 at halftime.
But Fajardo showcased his best during the third period where he scored 13 points in spite seeing regular double-teams every time he got the leather. Later, it appeared as if UC had the game in the bag as they led, 80-78 with less than 10 seconds remaining in regulation. But the Webmasters turned the ball over during their possession, leading to the game-tying basket by USJ-R rookie James Regalado.
UC though, put an end to all the upset hopes of their opponents as they gained control of the lead in the extra session and never let it go until the final buzzer.
Fajardo also got plenty of help from his teammates with Edward Pao tallying 16, former UV Baby Lancer Jan Auditor adding 14 and Luigi Bercede chipping in 12.
Medjet dela Rama paced the Jaguars with 20 while Abulaiz Suliman and Regalado each had 15. Renato Abing also added 12 in USJ-R’s losing campaign.
Today, the Webmasters gun for their second straight win against the University of San Carlos Warriors in the main game set at 6:45 p.m. at the same venue.
