USJ-R beats USPF for second win in Cesafi seniors hoop

Games Thursday (Cebu Coliseum)
5:15 p.m. – USC vs. SHS-AdC (jrs.)
6:45 p.m. – USC vs. UV (srs.)

The University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars finally broke out from their long dry spell as they captured their second win of the tournament after beating the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panthers, 74-68, in the seniors division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) basketball tournament late Tuesday night at the Cebu Coliseum.

It has been a season to forget for the Jaguars so far, but Tuesday gave them a ray of light as they took control of the match in the second period where they outscored the Panthers, 21-8 to take a 37-29 lead at halftime. The lead remained at six, 53-47, heading to the fourth period.

USPF though, did not give in easily as they climbed to within one, 57-58, with an 8-0 run which featured baskets by James Ferraren, Joseph Sedurifa and Fritz Dajalos. However, USJ-R fielded an answer in pointguard Banjo Capilar who handedly ignited an 8-2 run with two treys which put the Jaguars in front, 66-60, with 4:38 left.

Abulaiz Suliman then put the game away as he converted on a difficult lay-up and followed that up with a three-point play off a putback which gave the Jaguars a 71-60 advantage with 2:57 left in the game.

Capilar had an incredible game scoring 28 points spiked with six three-point shots which pushed USJ-R to their second win in 10 games. Suliman finished with 17 while Jason Olbedado added 12. The Panthers were led by the 15 points of Randy Avila and Ferraren and the 11 of Sedurifa. USPF’s failed bid was made more pronounced by the measly eight-point production of Dajalos.

Meanwhile, the University of the Visayas Green Lancers will try to follow up their huge win over rivals, University of Cebu, with another victory today when they face off against the tough University of San Carlos Warriors.

In the juniors division, the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles aim for the solo leadership in the standings when they take on USC.

The Magis Eagles are currently tied with UV for the lead with identical 11-1 records.