Webmasters trounce Panthers in CESAFI
Magis Eagles open title defense on winning note
In battle of teams with smaller lineup and without foreign reinforcements, the University of Cebu Webmasters proved to be more tactical defensively and highly explosive on offense as they easily breezed past the comebacking University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panthers, 91-69, in the 15th Cebu SchoolsAthletic Foundation, Inc. men's basketball tournament last night at the Cebu Coliseum.
The Webmasters rattled the Panthers from the outset with their pressure defense and quick transition play, which they were able to sustain until the final buzzer en route to nailing their first win that also reinvigorated their spirits following a 6885 defeat to the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars during last Saturday's seasonopener.
From a 6-0 start, things went on smoothly for the Webmasters the rest of the way. In fact, victory was already in their sight with a 44-26 edge with only a few seconds into halftime.
The outcome was already beyond question when the Webmasters took an insurmountable 26-point advantage, 78-52, on Jessie Dacalos' basket midway in the final quarter.
Melvin Butohan, who sat out in their first game as penalty for missing a team practice, led UC's charge with 23 points on a 5-of-7 shooting from the 3-point land, while Dacalos finished with a dozen markers.
In the juniors division, rookie Eroll Pastor announced his presence in the league with a bag, firing in 14 points to power defending champion Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles to a 6855 drubbing of the Baby Panthers.
Fellow rookie Jed Cedrick Colonia and Travis Jelour Mantua tossed in 11 markers apiece for the Magis Eagles, who kept the Baby Panthers at bay after closing the first half with a 39-27 lead.
The Baby Panthers crawled within just six points, 40-46, late in the third period, but the Magis Eagles quickly restored a double-digit edge for good.
Harvelle Pelegrino and Ain Obenza each scored 17 for USPF, which was greeted by double whammy in their return to CESAFI's fold after a one-year absence.