The Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats finally broke through into the win column as they outlasted the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers, 73-68, in the 2013 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) men’s basketball tournament last night at the Cebu Coliseum.
After two straight losses, CIT-U dug deep and fended off repeated comeback attempts by the Panthers to spoil the latter’s debut this season.
Rookie standout Joshua dela Cerna continued his strong bid for the Rookie of the Year award as he notched 28 points, pulled down 10 rebounds and added two steals and a block in what was an incredible show of versatility.
Lefty guard Franklin Batiquin also had 14 markers to help arrest CIT-U’s early season skid and offset the mere eight-point performance of the team’s ace wingman Floyd Taboada.
In the juniors division, the University of San Carlos (USC) Baby Warriors found their rhythm as they took down the erstwhile-undefeated Cebu Eastern College Dragons, 77-69.
It was their second win in a row, which pushed USC’s record to 2-1 (win-loss) while sending CEC to 3-1.
Heady guard Ian dela Cruz led the Baby Warriors with 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals while big men Jed Baltazar and Kervin Villagracia had 14 apiece.
Clint Suelto had a near double-double of 10 points, eight rebounds, an assist and three steals.
CEC got 18 points, 14 rebounds and a block from Mark Roa. But the versatile forward was fairly contained in crunchtime by USC’s defense’ leading to the Baby Warriors’ monumental win.
Afterwards, USC’s head coach Britt Reroma, formerly of the NCAA juniors powerhouse San Beda Red Lions, lauded the team’s defense, especially on CEC’s key players.
“We just kept on fighting and focused on our defense,” Reroma said. “We tried to contain their key players, especially Mark Roa. It was a total team effort. The key was making stops at the end.”
Reroma is a Cebuano who made it big in the NCAA coaching ranks by winning three juniors titles in four years before abruptly resigning last May.