Cheetahs off to a fast start in CESAFI cage wars

CEBU, Philippines — The Benedicto College (BC) Cheetahs outfoxed the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPP) Panthers, 62-56, at the start of their campaign in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 26 basketball tournament on Tuesday night, September 1, at the Cebu Coliseum.

Serge Gabines collected 10 points, six rebounds, two assists and three steals while Den Rick Orgong also nailed 10 markers laced with four rebounds and three steals for the Cheetahs, who dictated the pace of the match since taking an early 15-12 lead.

On top by four at halftime, 31-27, the Cheetahs made it an eight-point advantage, 47-39, after three quarters. They then repulsed USPF’s endgame resistance to walk away with a six-point victory.

Junil Bulan, Jhunrel Dagatan and Alcher John Pabalan also figured prominently for the Cheetahs with a combined 26 points, 14 rebounds and four assists.

Peter John Peteros finished with 15 points, two rebounds, one assist and five steals while Ashly Howard Dennison added 10 points, eight rebounds and a steal for the Panthers, who could not sustain their momentum after posting a season-opening 81-76 victory over the debuting University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM).

In high school play, Alex Terona sizzled with 16 points, seven rebounds and one block while Klent Ovillo chipped in 13 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal as UCLM kicked off its bid with a 96-54 obliteration of the PAREF Springdale Titans.

Franzis Jheiy Medrano chalked up 11 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block while Kenz Dome Reboldad cashed in 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals for the dominant UCLM, which at one point surged ahead by 51 points.

Riche Sarmiento II came up with 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals but to no avail as the Titans went down for the second time in a row.