18 November 2019
CEBU CITY—The Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras and the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles moved a win away from wresting championship trophies after they toppled their respective opponents in the Finals of the 2019 Cebu Schools Athletic Federation Inc. (CESAFI) men’s basketball tournament on Monday, November 18, at the Cebu Coliseum.
The Cobras shocked the three-time defending champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers, 70-66, in the college division, while the Magis Eagles scored their own impressive win by downing the reigning champions University of Cebu (UC) Baby Webmasters, 74-69, in the high school division.
Lamine Thiam led charge for the Cobras with 16 points, while Shaq Imperial contributed 14.
The two also conspired in crucial plays down the stretch that helped SWU ward off UV.
Thiam knocked down a jumper that handed SWU a 66-63 lead with only 1:30 left.
Imperial made a huge a stop when he swatted Las Coulibaly’s attempt then sealed the deal for SWU when he sank a booming triple in the next play.
The beleaguered Green Lancers were led by Gab Cometa and Sheldon Gahi with 17 and 12 points, respectively.
Leobert Andrew Casinillo, meanwhile, paced the Magis Eagles with 28 points, seven rebounds and three steals.
SWU and Ateneo will have a chance to close out their respective foes in Game 2 scheduled on Thursday, November 21.
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