USC jrs. check 2-game skid

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Carlos Baby Warriors detonated a devastating 18-1 bomb in the final five-minute zone of the contest to blow away the University of San Jose-Recoletos Baby Jaguars, 75-58, and check their two-game slump in the juniors division of the 15th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. men's basketball tournament last night at the Cebu Coliseum.

Jomari Ranuco starred in the courageous fightback by cashing in 10 of his 13 points in a splendid fourth-quarter show that vaulted the Warriors back in the winning track after back-to-back losses to the Cebu Institute of Technology-University Wildkittens and defending champion Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles. Overall, they now hold a 5-2 win-loss record.

Alje Mendez also figured prominently with 14 points, while Briedyn Aleyth Smith and Jolo Pakanna each scored 10 for the  Baby Warriors, who outscored the Baby Jaguars in the final half, 46-21.

The Baby Jaguars actually dictated the pace of the match, turning an early 20-16 lead into an eight-point advantage at halftime, 37-29.

 The Baby Warriors, however, rallied back with savvy in the third canto to wrest the driver's seat, 50-49, going into the final 10-minute mark.They then closed the match with a 25-9 bang to come up with a 17-point rout that staggered the Baby Jaguars at the final buzzer.

John Kirk Gonzaga and Jude Benedict Teleron nailed 14 markers apiece but to no avail as the Baby Jaguars suffered their third loss in seven games. (FREEMAN)