CEBU CITY – University of San Jose-Recoletos blew away Cebu Institute of Technology-University, 90-69, to gain third place in the standings in the 2018 Cesafi men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the Cebu Coliseum.
Big man Segamars Ewenike set the tone early for the Jaguars as he bullied the diminutive frontline of the Wildcats. He threw down a two-handed slam that helped pushed USJ-R in front, 45-29 at halftime.
USJ-R improved to 2-1 to stay in close pursuit of the University of Cebu and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation, both with 3-0 records.
Reigning league MVP Jaybie Mantilla sparked the Jaguars with 17 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals while forward Fletcher Galvez added 12. Ewenike finished with 11 points and 14 rebounds to go with three blocked shots, all of which came in the first two minutes of action.
CIT-U, which got 21 points from Jemcerson Sable, are winless in four games this season.
The scores:
USJ-R 90 - Mantilla 17, Galvez 12, Ewenike 11, Ubalde 10, Gastador 9, Coloyan 8, Manpatilon 7, Echavez 6, Dinolan 6, Baculio 2, Baladhay 2.
CIT-U 69 - Sable 21, Rocacurva 13, Oleodo 12, Con-ui 10, Kong 5, Aloro 3, Mumar 3, Selma 2.
Quarterscores: 25-15; 45-29; 62-46; 90-69.