USJ-R takes series opener

CEBU, Philippines - The Ave Maria Sanctuary Park-USJ-R Jaguars banked on their veteran stalwarts to vanquish San Marino Corned Tuna-USC Warriors, 88-78, and gain a 1-0 upstart in the 4th CESAFI Partner’s Cup best-of-five championship series last night at the Cebu Coliseum.

Earlier, the Aerosol-USPF Panthers upended the PTT Fuels-UV Lancers, 72-67, to move within a win away from capturing the third place honors in the collegiate division, in the same way with the Bibbo-CIT Wildkittens after gunning down the Baby Jaguars, 81-75, in the secondary division.

Mannie Gabas, who fired a pair of triples that triggered the Jaguars’ daring breakaway in the second period, topped the Ave Maria-sponsored squad with 20 points, while burly center Kurt Amores banged in 16 markers. Armand Ponce submitted 14 points, while Jabe Delfino added 12 unsderscoring USJ-R’s balanced offensive.

The Jaguars were in full control but suddenly sailed on rough waters, allowing the Warriors to threaten within a hairline, 67-68, with still 6:20 left to play.

But Amores and Ponce combined for 10 points in just a four-minute span to give the Jaguars an 80-69 breather with only 2:15 to go in the game.

Compounding the Warriors’ woes was coach Mike Reyes, who was slapped with a technical foul for throwing his temper to the referee with only 36 ticks left before the final buzzer.

Giovanni Padillo was the lone bright spot for the Warriors with 32 points.

The scores

First game

 Bibbo-CIT (81) - Nalos 23, Tejam 16, Batiquin 15, Limalima 8, Sanchez 8, Bancale 5, Pamaong 4, Gera 2

   Ave Maria-USJ-R (75) - Muñez 25, Autentico 15, Legaspi 9, Escatron 8, R. Senining 5, Trozo 4, Alob 4, Montecillo 3, Senining 2, Eborlas 1 Halftime: 37-25

Second game

Aerosol-USPF (72) - Bardillas 13, Avila 12, Tinoy 9, Fuentes 8, Dajalos 8, Rivera 7, D. Ferraren 6, Filoteo 5, J. Ferraren 4

PTT Fuels-UV (67) - Lao 17, Señeris 17, Cincoflores 13, Mercader 11, Olivares 7, Silva 2 Halftime: 35-31

         Third game

Ave Maria-USJ-R (88) - Gabas 20, Amores 16, Ponce 14, Delfino 12, Duran 8, Bibera 6, Dela Rama 6, Dela Peña 3, Villaver 2, Lapiz 1

San Marino-USC (78) - Padillo 32, Codilla 10, Bakker 8, Cantonao 6, Cortes 6, Hermosa 5, Bautista 4, Panerio 3, Bercede 2, Halftime: 40-35   (FREEMAN NEWS)