06 October 2018
CEBU CITY—The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars stayed in contention in the tight race for the top two spots after they subdued the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers, 84-73, in the 2018 Cesafi men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, October 6, at the Cebu Coliseum here.
The Jaguars netted their eighth victory in 11 games to tie the defending champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers at second place in the team standings.
The University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters are at solo first place but they are just protecting a slim lead over the Jaguars and the Lancers with their 9-2 (win-loss) slate.
Finishing in the top two after the two-round elimination phase will be crucial as the number one and number two seeds will enjoy twice-to-beat incentives over their lower-ranked foes in the semifinals.
Jaybie Mantilla keyed the Jaguars’ crucial win with 26 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
Miguel Gastador and Nigerian import Segamars Ewenike had significant contributions for USJ-R with 13 points apiece.
The towering Ewenike also added 13 rebounds, four steals and six blocks.
Nichole Ubalde also played well for the Jaguars as he came up with 10 markers and eight boards.
Rich Managor racked up 24 points and 15 rebounds for the Panthers, who ended the elimination round with five wins and seven losses.
In the other game, the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats escaped the Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras, 71-68.
The Wildcards improved to 3-8 while pulling the Cobras down to 2-9.
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