UP annihilates UC

Games today (USC Gym)

5 p.m. – Lion Tiger vs. San Marino

6:30 p.m. – Gaisano Capital vs. Rose Aquarius

What was expected to be an exciting match-up turned into a sleeper of a rout as the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons creamed the Gaisano Capital-University of Cebu Webmasters, 99-74, in the semifinals of the 5th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) Partner’s Cup yesterday at the University of San Carlos gym.

All eyes were on Junemar Fajardo and how the Maroons were going to defend the 6-foot-10 scoring machine. However, the spotlight shifted on young UP guard Gelo Montecastro, who scored a whopping 35 points as the Maroons swept their games here in Cebu.

Montecastro, a transferee from the College of St. Benilde Blazers, scored 12 in the third period to help the Maroons pull away from the Webmasters. Then, he added 13 more in the fourth including 11 straight during one sizzling stretch that drowned the reigning Cesafi champions.

The game was played nearly on even terms in the first half which ended with the Maroons ahead, 39-33. But the Maroons uncorked a 21-10 run, midway through the third period for a 60-43 lead. Then Robby Wierzba hit a three-point shot from near halfcourt at the third period buzzer that pushed the Maroons to a 71-57 lead.

The rout was completed at the halfway mark of the final stretch as Montecastro singlehandedly fueled a 13-2 rally for an unreachable 88-66 advantage.

Mike Silungan, UP’s star wingman, added 15 while Mike Gamboa and Jett Manuel scored 11 each for UP. Head coach Ricky Dandan., tasked with returning the team to a respectable state after finishing without a win in the UAAP last year, said that it is too early to assess his team’s chances.

“It’s too early to tell but I’m happy with how the team played against the best teams here. Obviously, the level of play is different but I’m glad to see them play competitively in all the games,” Dandan said.

Fajardo played without much rest and scored 29 for the Webmasters which saw their record fall to 2-1. They defeated the Lion Tiger Aerosols-University of the Visayas Green Lancers late Tuesday night, 92-85, dropping Lion Tiger to 1-2.