USJR bounces back in MLKP Cup basketball tournament

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) bounced back from a cellar-dwelling 0-2 record to win two straight games over the two-day school holiday and remain in the hunt for a finals slot in the 16 Under Division-A of the ML Kwarta Padala Cup 2011.

The Baby Jaguars trounced University of San Carlos (USC) South, 73-60, in a home game at the USJR Basak Pardo campus, and recorded 73 points anew in a morale-boosting win over Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC), 73-63.

USJ-R leaned on a big third quarter run to break open a close game against USC South. Down 35-36 at halftime, USJR limited USC South to six third quarter points while erupting for 16 of their own to take a comfortable 51-42 lead going into the fourth period.

Riding on a winning momentum, the Baby Jaguars also outplayed the Magis Eagles, taking leads of 19-8 and 38-30 after two periods. SHS-AdC would cut it down to 54-47, but the hungrier USJR squad stopped every rally from the Magis Eagles.

In other 16 Under Division A games, USC North split its assignments, defeating Cebu Eastern College (CEC), 79-62, and bowing to the University of the Visayas (UV), 42-67. After falling behind 14-15 at the end of the first period, it was all USC North all the way as they streaked to a 36-21 halftime lead. It was cruise control from then on.

The USJ-R double wins gave themselves a chance for a slot in the finals with a 2-2 record, tied with CEC. SHS-AdC and USC North dropped to 3-1 after suffering their first losses of the tournament also backed by B-Meg. USJR, CEC, USC North and SHS-AdC need to win their last assignments in the classification phase to make it to the finals.

In the 13 Under Division A, CEC leaned on the free throws of Richmond Bulibuli to eke out a 51-50 win over USC North. It was a nip and tuck affair from start to finish with no lead more than four points. The win gave CEC better chances of making it to the finals, needing to win their last assignment against USC South-A.

USC North meanwhile, bowed out of contention for a seat in the finals and will play for third place instead. In a B-Meg 10 Under division game, USC North stopped USJR, 36-26 to improve its chances for a finals slot. They need to defeat SHS-AdC to make it to the finals.

In 13 Under Division B games, USJR-B crushed St. Paul Learning Center, 44-23; CIT-U toppledUSC North-B, 52-30 and USC South-B won over Springdale, 38-33. The 16 Under Division B games saw Springdale overcome CIE, 38-32; PCGS winning over CVIRAA, 65-49, and CIT-U ousting CIE, 74-45.

The MLKP Cup 2011 is organized by the Cebu Youth Basketball League (CYBL). It is co-sponsored by B-Meg Premium and supported by Ave Maria Sanctuary Park. (FREEMAN)