Dragons stun Eagles; Baby Lancers off to winning start

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons dropped a bombshell when they clipped the wings of four-time champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles, 49-39, while the defending titleholders University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers got off to a flying start in the 18th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men's basketball tournament yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.

Jansen Tiu scattered 14 points and Ric Rodriguez scored 11 as the Dragons took the early lead in the juniors division with a clean 2-0 record.

Riding on the momentum of their huge 71-61 win over the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers last August 26, the Dragons spewed offensive fire from the get go and never looked back after jumping off to a hot 18-8 start.

Later in the day, Joshua Yerro sparkled with 25 points and Gabriel Cometa tossed in 23 points as the Baby Lancers kicked off their title defense with an 89-75 pounding of the University of San Carlos (USC) Baby Warriors.

Reigning CESAFI Juniors MVP Beirn Anthony Laurente chipped in 10 points for the Baby Lancers who were dominant right from the opening tip-off .

After an early 24-14 attack, the Baby Lancers went on to close the first half with an imposing 18-point bulge, 45-27, that sent the Baby Warriors staggering the rest of the way.

Clint Octaviano finished with 15 points for the Baby Warriors, who crumbled after kicking off their campaign with a 69-56 romp of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Baby Jaguars.— EBV