20 October 2018
CEBU CITY—The defending champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) disposed of their respective semifinal opponents to arrange a championship showdown in the seniors’ division of the 2018 Cesafi basketball tournament on Saturday night, October 20, at the Cebu Coliseum.
Both enjoying twice-to-beat incentives after a one-two finish in the elimination round, the Green Lancers survived the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters, 64-62, while the Jaguars rallied from 21 points down to defeat the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, 80-66.
The Green Lancers stayed on course for a rare three-peat as Rey Suerte came up with a big game to lead UV with 21 points and nine rebounds.
Josue Segumpan added 11 points for UV, which seized control of the match behind an 11-2 run in the third period that saw them turning a 32-34 deficit into a 43-36 lead.
Justine Dacalos paced the Webmasters with 24 points, while John Calvin Jabello tallied 14.
UC’s Cameroonian import Frederick Elombi struggled mightily in the critical match as he only scored seven points on a paltry three-for-12 shooting from the field.
The Jaguars, on the other hand, overhauled a 12-33 second quarter deficit to return to the finals for the first time since 2008.
Reigning MVP Jaybie Mantilla flirted with triple-double as he led the Jaguars with 22 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
It was a balanced attack for USJ-R as Miguel Gastador, Segamars Ewenike, Nichole Ubalde and Rj Dinolan all scored in twin digits to combine for 46 points.
The best-of-three title series will start on Wednesday, October 24.
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