Jaguars rout Warriors, Cobras sting Panthers
SINULOG CUP QUALIFYING ROUND
The University of San JoseRecoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars and the Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras got off to the best possible start they could in the qualifying round of the Sinulog Cup 2024 Basketball Tournament on Tuesday night, January 16, at the Cebu City Sports Institute (CCSI) gym in Barangay Sawang Calero.
Jay Deiparine bannered five players in double figures with 17 points on a spectacular 6-of-9 shooting from the field including four 3-pointers as the Jaguars pounded the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, 84-66.
Carl Cabulao added 16 points, six rebounds, and three steals, Sam Melicor and KC Gordillo each scored 12, while Elmer Echavez chipped in 10 markers, eight rebounds, and one assist in the Jaguars’ wire-to-wire victory.
Not contented after surging ahead by a baker’s dozen at halftime, 42-29, the Jaguars unleashed an explosive third-quarter, in which they outclassed the Warriors, 29-8, to pad their lead to a mind-boggling 34 points, 71-37. Their biggest advantage, however, stood at 37 points, 74-37, early in the final period.
James Gica and Bryle Puntual posted 15 points apiece in USC’s losing effort.
In other game, the Cobras, drawing an identical 14 points from Kyle Maglinte and JM
Abello, upended the University of Southern Philippines Foundation
(USPF) Panthers, 66-57.
The Cobras mellowed down after establishing a huge 45-23 edge early in the third frame but hung on to a confidence-boosting nine-point win.
Winston Bingil fired 20 points laced with four rebounds, two assists, and three steals, while Acer Romeo Go added 11 points but their efforts went down the drain for the stunned Panthers.