Jaguars clobber Wildcats to end slide

Sports

THE University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars finally broke into the win column after trouncing the Cebu Institute of Technology–University (CIT-U) Wildcats, 76-63, in the college division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) Season 25 Basketball Tournament on Friday night, Oct. 3, at the Cebu Coliseum.

Snapping a two-game slide to become the last team to register a win this season, the Jaguars got a huge lift from rookie Fritz Gonzales, who finished with 16 points by making six of his 14 attempts from the field.

Christian Carl Sollano backed Gonzales with 14 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, one block, and a steal. El John Lacaya contributed nine points for the Julius Cadavis-mentored UJS-R while Rodge Balbao tossed in seven markers.

CIT-U’s own rookie, Serafin Duarte, was also solid as he tallied 12 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks but the Wildcats still endured their fourth defeat in five games.

Christian Mark Codillo and Regie Ayon scored nine points each in the loss.

Two two squads competed hard, battling through 11 lead-changes and 10 ties.

CIT-U actually led at the bend, 32-30, but USJ-R struck hard in the third period, outsourcing its opponent 23-13 to build a crucial 53–45 lead with only one quarter left to play.

The Jaguars stretched the lead to as many as 18 points as the Wildcats stumbled at the finish.(CCM)