USC Warriors get back on track

CEBU, Philippines — The University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors quickly bounced back from a previous loss by defeating the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu Fighting Maroons, 54-46, in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 26 basketball tournament Monday

night, September 21, at the Cebu Coliseum.

James Paolo Gica collected 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two blocks as the Warriors joined the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters at second place in the college division standings with identical 4-1 win-loss records.

USC trailed 23-31 at halftime and was still down by five, 35-40, after three quarters before mounting a spirited endgame rally.

The Warriors wrested the driver’s seat for good, 45-43, midway through the final period and surged ahead by as many as 11 points before securing the eight-point victory.

Aron Dave Kress had 13 points, four rebounds, and a steal for UP Cebu, while AJ de los Reyes added 10 points but their efforts went unrewarded as the Fighting Maroons remained winless in four games.

In high school play, the University of Cebu (UC) Junior Webmasters routed the San Roque College de Cebu (SRCDC) Greyhounds, 101-54.

Gamaliel Chaz de la Peña sizzled with 17 points on top of two rebounds, while Jade Bialan posted a solid double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds, along with one assist, one steal, and three blocks as the Junior Webmasters improved to 3-1 in a tie with the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Junior Wildcats.

Mark Jovil Datoon, Earl Joshua Booc, and John Terol chipped in 11 points each for the Junior Webmasters, who seized control early, 31-14, and built their biggest lead to 48 points.

Jezreel John Muñez finished with 14 points, three assists, and two steals, while John Raven Dumanhug had 12 points and three rebounds for the Greyhounds, who suffered their third straight loss after a winning start. — (FREEMAN)