UV, Ateneo de Cebu pull opening day victories

CITY OF BOGO, Cebu, Philippines – The Don Celestino Martinez Sr. CESAFI Pre-Season Juniors Division tournament is on. 

And the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles and the University of the Visayas Baby Lancers each pulled a thrilling victories that put them in a good position for the P70,000 champion’s prize.

The Magis Eagles escaped with a 72-65 win after trailing most of the time to the Central Ice Cream-backed University of Cebu Jr. Webmasters while the Baby Lancers endured the end game burst of the home team City of Bogo Science and Arts Academy for a 76-67 victory.

Meanwhile, Ateneo de Cebu’s Glady Grace Alburo was adjudged as the fairest beauty among the five team muses and winning alongside her were CBSAA’s Cielo V. Arroyo who won first runner-up and Stella Marie Bonsubre of UV who get the second runner-up title.

The Magis Eagles were trailing mostly in the game. 

But despite the errors, turnovers, poor shot selections and missed wide open shots, SHS-AdC managed to keep the game despite the well-oiled game of the Jr. Webmasters. 

UC-Central Ice Cream was in control of the game for the first 34 minutes but lost grip when the game was on the line.

Batang Gilas guard Jarred Bahay scored six of his game high 18 points to help the Magis Eagles defeat their bitter rivals. 

The Magis Eagles trapping, and full court defense in the final period made the difference as they held the Baby Webmasters to just eight points in the final period as well as holding UC’s red-hot scorer Mark Solonia scoreless after dropping a blistering 11 in the third period.

Ateneo de Cebu’s concerted efforts in defense produced 21 points that helped them escape the rival’s sporadic rallies.

Michael Asoro and Rafael Aradaza added 16 points each and Josh Go finished with 10 points for the Magis Eagles while Solonia scored 17 points, Allan Ray Gako added 11 and Joemil Sorilla contributed 10 points for the Baby Webmasters.

Meanwhile, CBSAA team captain Simon Maghinay provided the spark to turn the tide around. 

Down 52- 64, Maghinay and Dale Otero combined efforts to drop a searing 15-2 run that put the home team ahead 67-66 at the final 3:15 of the game.

But while the CESAFI newcomers failed to sustain its momentum, the multi-titled Baby Lancers were steady down the stretch for its first win.

Panerio scored 14 points, Marvin Ravelo added 12 and Nathan De la Torre finished with 10 for UV while Otero made 14 points and Maghinay contributed 10 for CBSAA.

(Photos: Bogo City PIO)