Lancers, Jaguars arrange title duel in CESAFI hoop

CEBU, Philippines —  The twice-to-beat University of the Visayas (UV)  Green Lancers and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars knocked out their respective rivals to march into the championship without any glitch in the 18th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. ( CESAFI) men's basketball tournament last night at the Cebu Coliseum.

Rey Anthony Suerte sizzled with 21 points and nine rebounds as the UV Lancers sent the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters packing, 64-62.

The two protagonists figured in close-quarter battle for most of the way, with the Webmasters trailing by just a hairline,45-46, but Rey Suerte canned two triples in a 9-1 blitz that put the Lancers ahead by nine, 55-46, midway in the final period.

The Webmasters fought back with savvy to pull within  59-61, and could have even grabbed the lead but Darrell Shane Menina missed a long trey underneath the final minute of the thrilling  contest.

After Gileant Delator split his charities for a 62-59 UV lead with 32 seconds to go, the Webmasters still had one last shot to forge an overtime but Menina botched another crucial triple that sealed UC's doom.

Josue Segumpan then calmly sank his free throws with seven seconds remaining to ice UV's triumph.

Earlier, reigning Seniors MVP Jaybie Mantilla stole the thunder Jaguars brilliantly overhauled  a 21-point deficit in the first half to frustrate the fourth-ranked University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors,  80-66, and advance to the collegiate division finals for the first time in a decade.

The explosive pointguard Mantilla nearly registered a triple-double with 22 points  10 rebounds and eight assists for the Jaguars, who scored only seven in the opening session and found themselves in a deep hole, 14-35, with just a few minutes gone by in the second period.

But Mantilla dropped four 3-point bombs of his 15 points in a searing 23-10 run that towed the Jaguars to within just eight, 37-45, entering the locker room.

Sustaining their offensive fire, the Jaguars handcuffed the Warriors to only eight points in the third quarter while hitting 22 to seize the upper hand, 59-53, heading into the last 10 minutes.

It was an all-USJR show from thereon, with the Jaguars maintaining the double-digit edge the entire final frame.

Nicole John Ubalde hammered the final nail on USC's coffin with a booming triple,79-66, with only a minute left to play.

Juan Miguel Gastador  banged in 13 markers, import Segemars Ewenike scored 12 while Ralph Jude Dinolan had 10 points and six rebounds in what has been an emotional night for the All-Star wingman.

Dinolan was supposed to receive his college diploma but opted to be with his teammates in their crucial match against USC on his graduation day.

Dinolan's sacrifice paid off as he helped the Jaguars reach the finals for the first time since 2008.

"Honestly, I am at a loss for words right now," said Dinolan while trying to hold back tears.  " Even though I wasn't able to attend my graduation, I am still proud and happy for being able to help my team achieve our goal."

In the juniors division, the  defending champion UV Baby Lancers and the UC Junior Webmasters ousted separate foes in dominating fashion to set up a best-of-three finals.

All-around guard Gabriel Cometa scattered 24 points on top of six assists, five rebounds and three steals as the undefeated Baby Lancers booted out the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers, 89-65.

Reigning Juniors MVP Beirn Anthony Laurente tossed in 20 points, five  rebounds and three assists, while Joshua Yerro  submitted a solid double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds for the  Baby Lancers, who were never threatened after coasting to a 41-24 halftime lead.

Up next for the 10-0 Baby Lancers are Junior Webmasters, who advanced to the championship after terminating the USJ-R Baby Jaguars, 76-62.

The Junior Webmasters, who marched to the finals for the third time in four years, were in complete command of the match from the onset, never looking back after taking a 36-23 advantage at the break.

UC's largest lead though stood at 22 points, 74-52, with only four minutes left to play.

Isaiah Blanco, son of former PBA star Dondon Hontiveros, led the Junior Webmasters with 13 points and six rebounds, Jerick Ranido added 12 points, while Jasper Pacana and Joshua  Gellacone chipped in 11 markers apiece.

The  Baby Lancers and the Junior Webmasters will begin their title duel on October 24.