CESAFI Playoffs

The CESAFI switches into high gear with the close of the classification phase and the Final Four already settled. But this season has been a welcome surprise so far for both the college and high school divisions. Before the season started, the University of the Visayas (UV) was favored to breeze through the classification rounds and top the field in both divisions. How’d they do?

Don’t look now but sitting on top of the team standings of the college division is the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJR), followed by UV, University of Cebu (UC) and University of San Carlos (USC). Everyone was pointing to UV as an overwhelming favorite to top both the elimination round and eventually claim the championship, but two twists took place. First, UC streaked to an undefeated record before falling apart towards the end of the elimination round. Second, USJ-R slowly but surely worked its way under the spotlight to grab the top spot. While all eyes were on whether or not UV can stand out as predicted, the Jaguars did their thing quietly but effectively. UC also drew a lot of attention when it scored eight straight wins before faltering as they neared the finish line of the elimination round, including an upset loss to CIT-U. When the dust settled, USJ-R, UV and UC were tied for first place with identical 9-3 records, and since USJ-R had big wins over the other two, they grabbed to top seed and will face off against fourth-seeded USC. UV took second place and has a twice-to-beat edge over UC in what should be a close semifinals series.

Now that we have statistics recorded for the college division, we can also see why the Jaguars have done well and reached the top. Reigning MVP Jaybie Mantilla of USJ-R is once again the top ranked local player who is averaging 18.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 2.7 steals per game. He is obviously USJ-R’s heart and soul, and takes the Jaguars with him. When he’s hot, they win. When he’s off, the Jaguars suffer. Backing him up is RJ Dinolan who has posted solid numbers of 12.9 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 3.2 apg. One of the biggest and most welcome additions to USJ-R’s numbers would have to be the presence of import Tochukwu Ewenike who is good for 10 ppg, 9.2 rpg and 2.2 blocked shots per game. He has filled up the vacuum in the middle, has been a steady force in defense and gives USJ-R more threats aside from Mantilla and Dinolan. This have been an effective set-up for Coach Leodie Garcia who took over the team shortly after the start of the CESAFI season when Titing Manalili decided to go full-time with the Cebu City Sharks in the MPBL. USJ-R’s support crew has also been steady with role player stats that make the team well-rounded. Nichole Ubalde (8.8.ppg, 6.2 rpg), Miguel Gastador (11,2 ppg, 4rpg), and Elmer Echavez (8.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg) have been there to make the Jaguars a solid team. Now that the semifinals round is on, you can expect this group to step up even more and lead the Jaguars to the finals.

UV lives and dies with former MVP Rey Suerte who’s averaging 17.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg and 5 apg. He and Bassieru Sackor (17.2 ppg, 11.8 rpg) have been UV’s 1-2 punch, but could use more help from their support players. No one else is scoring in double digits, but with the way they waylaid UC last week, Coach Gary Cortes is hoping that he has the Lancers peaking at the right time as they face UC again in the semifinals. UC meanwhile has been a mystery of sorts. What happended after going 8-0? Nobody seems to know, but they don’t have a choice but to regroup before facing off against UV in the semis. Darell Shane Menina leads their offense with 17.6 ppg and 7 apg. Ever since he was involved in a post-game skirmish, UC has been spiraling downwards. Can they recover? Frederick Elombi has been consistent with 14.6 ppg, 12.2 rpg and 4 blocks a game. But will he make a disappearing act in the playoffs (again)? Justin Dacalos’s numbers of 9ppg, 6 rpg and 3.4 apg dipped a bit this season with the entry of Menina, but he and Menina will play vital roles in Coach Yayoy Alcoseba’s guard-heavy line-up that also includes John Jabello (13.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.4 apg) and Paul Galinato (5.8 ppg, 4,6 rpg, 3,4 apg). But they’ve got to wake up now before it’s too late. Momentum isn’t on their side and I’m sure they’re hoping that the All Star break today will help them recover in time for the semifinals where they have to beat UV twice in a row, a very tall order, agree?

If the college Final Four is settled, the high school version has turned lively and interesting for the last two berths which were being determined/played yesterday as I write this piece.  Unfortunately, I wont be able to give you updates here. UV is already assured of the top spot and could earn an outright berth in the finals with a win over USJ-R yesterday. UC also assured of the second spot. The chase for the next two spots is nerve-wracking. Already out is SHS-Ateneo de Cebu after a loss to Don Bosco yesterday. After winning all of CESAFI’s titles from 2012 to 2016 and a runner-up last year, the Magis Eagles have bowed out of contention. Surprised? You should be. In their place, USC (5-3), USJ-R (5-3) and USPF (4-4) are fighting for the third and fourth spots. USPF (5-4) won over USC (5-4) while USJ-R was still playing UV last night. What a fitting to end the elimination round. It ain’t over 'til it’s over. Lingin ang bola and anything can happen. CESAFI’s on to the next round. Game na!