UV, USJ-R crush foes in Partner's Cup hoop

CEBU, Philippines - The UV Lancers-PTT Fuels and the USJ-R Jaguars/Ave Maria Sanctuary Park knocked off their respective rivals in the collegiate division of the 4th CESAFI Partner’s Cup last Sunday at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Lancers unleashed a balanced offensive attack to shoot down Panthers-Lion Tiger, 87-75, while the Jaguars followed up a good start with a fierce endgame finish to frustrate the USC Warriors-San Marino Corned Tuna, 77-64.

Ralf Olivares and Phil Mercader tossed in 12 and 10 markers, respectively, for the Lancers who were hardly in trouble despite playing with 6-foot-11 giant Gregory Slaughter.

Slaughter, who is currently with the Smart Gilas Team Pilipinas playing a series of exhibition games in the Middle East, is expected to suit up in the Lancers’ next assignments.The Panthers, who tried but failed to match the Lancers’ speed and quickness, were led by sophomore Fritz Dajalos with 18 points followed by Elvin Labares with 17 markers.

The Jaguars, on the other hand, mounted a big run in the fourth period and put up a great defensive effort against the Warriors to open their title campaign in resounding fashion. They also gained huge advantage with the presence of former Jaguars Armand Ponce, Jabe Delfino and Manny Gabas. 

It was Jason Nudalo though who topscored for the Jaguars with 14 points. Marvin Duran and Jaymar de la Peña chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively.

In stark contrast, no USC player charted double figures. The Warriors did not hire reinforcements because they want to maintain a core group that will adapt the same system of play come the 10th CESAFI men’s basketball tournament this August.

The scores

First game

UV-PTT (87) - Olivares 12, Mercader 10, Saycon 8, Cincoflores 8, Enterina 8, Calo 6, Perolino 6, Seneres 5, Abad 5, Rios 4, M. Cabahug 3, Silva 2, Cabahug 2, Manigque 1

USPF-Lion Tiger (75) - Dajalos 18, Labares 17, Mercader 7, Sereno 6, Gulane 5, Avila 4, Tinoy 4, Misa 4, Ferraren 3, Sedurifa 3, Rivera 2

Second game

USJ-R/Ave Maria (77) - Nudalo 14, Duran 11, Dela Pena 10, Delfino 9, Bibera 8, Suliman 4, Villaver 4, Ponce 3, Lapiz 3, Senining 3, Amores 2, Gabas 2, Albarillo 2, Olvedado 2

USC-San Marino (64) - Padillo 9, Cortes 8, Hermosa 7, Reyes 6, Duran 6, Santos 6, Bakker 5, Panerio 5, Cantonao 3, Bercede 3, Codilla 2, Uy 2, Belangel 2 (FREEMAN NEWS)