UNIVERSITY of San Jose-Recoletos ended the run of futility against Manila-based teams, turning back Emilio Aguinaldo College, 85-74, on Friday for its first-ever win in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan.
Eager to avoid a hat-trick off losses to NCAA squads bowing to Letran and JRU, the Cebu-based Jaguars established control early and never looked back on the way to the impressive win in Group A.
Kevin Villafranca paced the Jaguars with 16 points, making all his six charities, and pulled down seven boards, while James Regalado added 15 points and led his team in weathering a late Generals comeback.
“Parang ayaw sa banggaan, ayaw lumaban nung first two games, pero nakita ko na nag-step up sila at nag-adjust,” Jaguars coach Jun Noel said of his Cesafi side making its debut in the premier preseason tournament. “Ang pakay namin dito is for preparation for our league.”
Miguel Gastadaor chipped in 10 points and 10 boards, while Mac Labares had an all-around showing of 10 points, seven boards, and six assists for the Jaguars, who handed the Generals a loss right in their first game this season.
Sydney Onwubere registered 23 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block for naught for EAC.
The scores:
USJR 85 – Villafranca 16, Regalado 15, Gastador 10, Labares 10, Nzuzi 8, Suano 8, Galvez 8, Villarias 3, Bayhonan 3, Navarra 2, Catipay 2, Lajato 0, Dinolan 0.
EAC 74 – Onwubere 23, Aguilar 11, Munsayac 8, Mbang 7, Mejos 7, Serrano 6, Laminou 4, Pascua 4, Estacio 2, Morada 1, Diego 1, Esplana 0, Pascual 0, Corilla 0.
Quarterscores: 19-12; 37-26; 61-48; 85-74.
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