Webmasters thrash Warriors

CEBU, Philippines - Last year’s losing finalist University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters unleashed a furious second half rally to pummel the undermanned University of San Carlos (USC), 89-65, Warriors in the basketball event of the 10th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) season the other night at the Cebu Coliseum.

Bracing for an already won ballgame due to the threat by USC to forfeit its game if some of its players with questionable records are not allowed to play, the Warriors ended up with no other recourse than to courageously fight the Webmasters even with only seven players in uniform.But as expected, their energies were good only up to where they can afford. After putting up a good fight in the first half, USC’s so-called ‘Magnificent 7’ wilted down the stretch and the agony may still continue in their succeeding games.

Even in the face of defeat, the Warriors earned words of praise and respect from no less than CESAFI commissioner Felix “Boy” O. Tiukinhoy, Jr., who congratulated coach Mike Reyes for showing the true essence of sportsmanship and for saving the image of the league.

6-foot-9 skyscraper June Mar Fajardo and sophomore guard Gerald Ampoon topscored for UC with 17 points apiece, while licensed gunner Robinson Mohammad and new addition Daniel Enriquez both chipped in 11 markers.

There was also the good showing of flashy playmaker Quinton Brian Heruela, who added depth to the Webmasters’ backcourt. Heruela played with the UV Baby Lancers in his junior years but opted to join the Webmasters last summer.

The Webmasters ripped the game apart in the fourth period where they posted an imposing 27-point advantage, 86-59, entering the final two-minute zone of the contest.

Sam Hermosa fired 24 points for the Warriors, while Joven Cid Cortes and Robert Gines Codilla pumped in 25 points combined in a losing effort.

The scores

UC (89) - Fajardo 17, Juliane 17, Mohammad 11, Enriquez 11, Pao 8, Bercede 6, Magallanes 5, Ampoon 4, Heruela 3, Batua 3, Cabrea 2, Cueva 2

USC (65) - Hermosa 24, Cortes 13, Codilla 12, Otida 6, Santos 5, Panerio 3, Uy 2

Games today

(Cebu Coliseum)

4:30 pm SHS-Ateneo de Cebu vs. UC (Jrs.)

6 pm USPF vs. SWU (Srs.)

(THE FREEMAN)