Jaguars turn back Lancers

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Jose Recoletos Jaguars overcame a 16-point deficit en route to a thrilling 67-63 victory against the defending champion University of the Visayas Green Lancers last night in the 14th season of Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Lancers ended the third period with a 16-point advantage when rookie guard June Kent Manzo made a three-point heave at the buzzer, 56-40.

But the Jaguars who lost to the Lancers the first time they met, 68-70, slowly regained composure when Manzo was assessed for an unsportsmanlike foul against Mark Louie Labares. The incident also was the turning point of the game.USJR outscored the Lancers in the fourth period, 27-7.

With top gunner James Regalado watching  in the sideline because of injury, big man Kevin Villafranca did the heaviest damage leading the Jaguars with 28 points but import Quentin Luzoladio had the most credit when he stole the limelight in the final minute of the contest  with his crucial rebounds and stingy defense.

Villafranca gave Jaguars the lead, 64-63 down to the final 1:16 of the contest after a miss from UV import Jeff Aguara. Luzoladio picked up the rebound and after Villafranca made it 66-63, Luzoladio retrieved a loose ball with 19 seconds and when the Lancers missed in their final possession just 5.5 seconds left.

It was only the second win for the Jaguars in six games, while Lancers dropped to 4-4 win-loss record.

Earlier, the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation Baby Panthers defeated the University of San Jose Recoletos Baby Jaguars, 66-60 in the juniors’ game. (FREEMAN)