CEBU CITY, Philippines – Fifth-ranked University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers will meet the fourth-ranked University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR) Baby Jaguars in a winner-take-all showdown for a CESAFI juniors semifinal slot on Sunday, September 13.
USJR lost their twice-to-beat advantage when they were drubbed by UV, 68-42, on Thursday at the University of San Carlos gym.
The Baby Jaguars had no answer against Raul Jancork Cabahug in game one, allowing him to score 27 points. UV’s own star, John Kirck Gonzaga, only managed 6 points.
Cabahug dominated the ballgame by also pulling down 14 rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.
Also finishing in double figures for the Baby Lancers was Ramish Alforque who contributed 12 points in UV's win.
In contrast, only one Baby Jaguar was able to tally a double figure, Joshua Renz Ortiz, who finished with 10 points.
The rubber match takes place at 1 pm at the New Cebu Coliseum.
The winner will join league leader Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles, second-ranked USC Baby Warriors and third-ranked University of Cebu (UC) Junior Webmasters, who booted out last year's third placer University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers, in the semifinal round slated for September 15 and which will follow a single round-robin format.
The SHS-AdC Magis Eagles, who is gunning for a third CESAFI Junior title this year, will first go up against whoever is the winner between the USJR Baby Jaguars and the UV Baby Lancers while the USC Baby Warriors will face the UC Junior Webmasters first.
The top two teams will then advance to the best of 3 finals series while the third and fourth ranked teams will contest the third place which will be a knockout game.
Scores:
UV (68) – Cabahug 27, Ra. Alforque 12, Paraldo 6, Yerro 6, Saliot 5, Evardo 3, Laurente 2, Membrano 2, Maglasang 2, Balazuela 2, Ro. Alforque 1, Amistoso 0, Oche 0, Padilla 0, Valenzuela 0.
USJ-R (42) – Ortiz 10, Ibero 8, Gonzaga 6, Ando 6, Enriquez 4, Teleron 4, Dado 2, Camacho 2, Dela Cruz 0, Cruz 0, Cabatingan 0, Bascon 0.
Quarter Scores: 14-4; 30-12; 53-25; 68-42. – Rappler.com