Cobras off to good start in Sandugo-Unigames; USJ-R not as lucky, loses to Ateneo

The squads from the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) that are competing in the 2012 Sandugo-University Games went through contrasting fates during the tournament’s opening playdate yesterday in Bacolod City.

The reigning Cesafi champions Southwestern University Cobras dominated the West Negros University Mustangs, 82-64, while third placers University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars bowed down to the UAAP champions Ateneo Blue Eagles, 54-56, in the games that were held at the University of St. La Salle gym.

USJ-R gave the reigning UniGames champions the scare of the day as it battled toe-to-toe with the Eagles, who played with several of their stars including Kiefer Ravena.

USJ-R had a chance to force overtime but Renato Abing’s shot at the buzzer rimmed in and out.

Gwyne Capacio led Ateneo with 12 points while Ravena and Nico Elorde had 11 apiece.

SWU, on the other hand, had its way with WNU as  Joseph Nalos led the way with 18 points.

It was a balanced effort for SWU with Ben Mbala, Melvin Goloran, Willie Escobio and Bernie Bregondo chipping in eight points each.

At the WNU gym, UAAP runners-up University of Santo Tomas clobbered the John B. Lacson Maritime Academy, 97-70 while another UAAP squad, the University of the East, demolished the University of Northern Philippines, 112-38.  The University of San Agustin, USJ-R’s opponent for today, won over the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, 92-73.

In the volleyball competition, the belles of USJ-R got beaten by UAAP powerhouse, UST, 23-25, 14-25, 20-25. They next face the University of the East today at 3:30 p.m. at the University of Negros Oriental gym.