USJ-R overcomes UV to forge rubbermatch

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars lost an 11-point lead late in the third period, but recovered in time to escape with a 75-72 victory over the University of the Visayas Green Lancers and forge a rubbermatch in their best-of-three battle for third place in the 14th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men's basketball tournament last night at the Cebu Coliseum.

In the juniors division though, the Baby Lancers saved the day for UV after their stymied late rally by the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation Baby Panthers to eke out a 69-60 victory in their second round semifinal match-up.

The Jaguars enjoyed a 53-42 lead with only 48 seconds left in the third period, but the Lancers, showing their resiliency, charged back with finesse to erase the deficit and even wrest the driver's seat, 71-69, on Alwin Aguirre's basket at the final 1:22 mark of the contest. In the return play, however, Kevin Villafranca completed a three-point to push the Jaguars back on top, 74-72, for good.

After James Regalado upped USJ-R's lead to three, UV had a chance to forge an overtime but Rhafyy Octobre missed a desperation heave at the buzzer.

Villafranca, a hardworking bigman, exploded with 30 points for the Jaguars, while Mark Labares added 16 markers.

The two sides will meet again at 6 p.m. tomorrow to settle the issue once and for all.

The scores

USJ-R (75) - Villafranca 30, Labares 16, Custan 8, Regalado 7, Galvez 7, Senining 2, Catipay 2, Suano 2, Luzoladio 1

UV (72) - Napao 13, Abad 10, Octobre 8, Aguirre 7, Santillan 7, Codilla 6, Segumpan 5, Oche 5, Manzo 4, Perolino 4, Mpouma 3. Halftime: 34-26. (GGM) (FREEMAN)