USJ-R, USC seek semis seats CESAFI basketball

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars and the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors try to secure outright semifinal slots today when they go up against lesser-seeded rivals as the quarterfinal games in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) resumes at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Jaguars, who finished third in the elimination round, will go up against the Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT) Wildcats.

The fourth-seeded Warriors will seek an encore against the relentless Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras whom they beat by a hairline 74-73 in their previous meeting.

The previous games don’t count in the quarters and the Jaguars and Warriors are expected to go all out for formal entry in the semis especially with the twice-to-beat advantage. 

The Jaguars skinned the Wildcats alive in their first meeting 94-64 and there’s no indication that the latter are capable of an upset, thus the focus will be on USC-SWU tussle.

Those who follow CESAFI basketball believe that the Warriors and Cobras are evenly-matched thus the game will go down the wire.

The Cobras have the edge in speed with Diango and Poligrantes in the backcourt and with Jefferson Pria and Christ Litorja as back-up guys.

The Warriors will be countering with Giovanni Pardillo, the hero of that 74-73 triumph over the Cobras. Then there’s Michael Cantonao, Ryan Carlo Padayao, Gene Noel Gallarde and Sam Hermosa – a threat from the three-point zone.

In the juniors division, the CIT Wildkittens meet the USC Baby Warriors while the USJ-R Baby Jaguars square off with the Sacred Hearth School-Jesuits (SHS-J) Eagles.

The Wildkittens and the Baby Warriors enjoy twice-to-beat advantage. (GGM)