CEBU CITY – University of Cebu Webmasters evened their record up at 1-1 after routing the returning University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 91-69, in the 15th Cesafi men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday night at the Cebu Coliseum.
Sweet-shooting big man Melvin Butohan exploded for 24 points, 14 coming in the third period where he sank four three-pointers that helped the Webmasters open up a 70-45 lead going. Skipper Clint Suelto added 13 markers and five assists while speedy guard Justine Dacalos unloaded 12 points.
Brantford Borces led USPF, which is making a return to the Cesafi after taking a leave of absence last season, with 14 points while Mhike Patalinghug added 14. The Panthers fell behind early, 11-25, and was not able to come any closer.
In the juniors division, reigning champion Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu defeated the USPF, 68-55. Cadiz City's Errol Pastor had a rousing debut with 13 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block. Guard Travis Mantua and Batang Gilas member Jed Colonia scored 11 apiece, with the former padding his stat line with seven boards, three assists and two steals.
The Magis Eagles started off hot, leading 22-15, behind the combined 11 points of Pastor and Colonia. Mantua then got in on the act in the second to push the lead further, 39-27, at halftime.
The scores:
Juniors
SHS-AdC (68) -- Pastor 14, Mantua 11, Colonia 11, Velasco 6, J. Yu 6, Visser 5, Bersaluna 4, Javelosa 3, Calumpang 3, Manaytay 2, P. Yu 1, Chen 0, Chua 0.
USPF (55) -- Peligrino 17, Obenza 17, Archival 8, Macalam 7, Hernando 3, Fermin 3, Cometa 0, Ybañez 0, Sandoval 0, Lequin 0, Urot 0, Justol 0, Tajo 0, Soon 0.
Quarter Scores: 22-15; 39-27; 51-40; 68-55.
Seniors
UC (91) -- Butohan 23, Dacalos 12, Puerto 11, Suelto 10, Culango 10, Montilla 6, Grafilo 4, Tagudin 3, Mayol 3, Santander 3, Codilla 3, Jabello 2, Dumat-ol 1, Luzares 0.
USPF (69) -- Borces 15, Patalinghug 14, Villamor 11, Colina 9, Bajamunde 4, Ceniza 3, Laver 3, Avanceña 3, Alocillo 2, Quiachon 2, Bolivar 2, Langahin 1, Sastrillas 0, Silorio 0.
Quarter Scores: 25-11; 44-29; 70-45; 91-69.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph