USJ-R nips Benedicto in OT, finishes third in CESAFI seniors hoops

Sports

THE University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars ended what has been a rocky season on a high note.

The Jaguars pulled off a 70-67 overtime win over the Benedicto College (BC) Cheetahs to bag the third-place trophy in the collegiate division of the of the 24th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Men’s Basketball Tournament on Tuesday night, December 3.

The season saw the Jaguars miss key players due to academic woes. A rookie coach also came on board, guiding the team against the league’s perennial title contenders.

USJ-R was ousted from title contention when it bowed to the league-leaders and twice-to-beat University of Cebu Webmasters in their semifinal duel, 53-58.

USJ-R, however, were determined to end the season with something to celebrate, surprising BC with a strong first-half showing to build a 16-point cushion at the bend, 39-23.

The Cheetahs, who have been solid all-season long, played true to form in the third quarter and rallied within 43-47.

A fierce battle in the fourth quarter ensued as both squads refused to give an inch, resulting in a 59-all standoff at the end of regulation.

Team captain Elmer Echavez Jr. then asserted himself in the extension period, pumping in crucial points that pushed the Jaguars ahead, 63-59.

The Jaguars would not relinquish the lead from that point on, quelling any comeback attempt by the Cheetahs to seal the win.

In his final game as a CESAFI player, Echavez was not but brilliant, leading the Jaguars with 16 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block.

Al James Calizar scored 12 points while Rodge Aldrich Balbao and Jay Deiparine each had 10.

Serge Gabines paced the Cheetahs with 15 points, eight rebounds, a steal, and a block.(CCM)