USJ-R guns for semis berth

CEBU, Philippines – The second seed University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars shoot for an outright semifinal slot, but they must be wary against seventh-ranked University of southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) when they clash tonight in the 12th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men's basketball tournament tonight at the Cebu Coliseum.

In the first game at 5 pm, defending champion University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers also seek for an automatic semis when they go up against the USPF Baby Panthers.

The twice-to-beat Jaguars cannot take USPF lightly as they won by just a hairline over the Panthers, 75-74, during their first meeting.

The Jaguars are confident though they can score a repeat over the Panthers, more so that have now found their go-to-guys in the likes of Abulaiz Suliman, Miguel Tabaloc and Banjo Capillar when the going gets tough.

They can also rely on Jason Olbedado, Renato Abing, James Regalado and Matthew Parker, a bulky yet mobile center.

The Panthers, for their part, need more points from Fritz Dajalos, who seemingly lost his touch from the outside during their past two games in the elimination round. He has recovered only during their 63-69 loss to the Webmasters last Saturday.

Joseph Sedurifa fared well in offense, but the Panthers must also get the support of Art Camello, Lawrence Escanilla and the brothers Earvin and James Ferraren.

On the other hand, the Baby Lancers, who were stymied by the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles in the race for the no. 1 spot, would go to their main man in reigning juniors MVP Andres Paul Desiderio.

Of course, the Baby Lancers also need the support of Gerald Fernandez, Ralph Jude Dinolan, Prince Liton Cañete, John Philip de la Cerna, Yusuf Samal and Leonard Santillan among others.  – THE FREEMAN