CESAFI: Magis Eagles dominate UC in HS Finals Game 1

CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles are now just a game away from their fourth straight CESAFI high school title after manhandling the University of Cebu (UC) Junior Webmasters, 69-45, in Game 1 of their best-of-3 finals Series, Friday, October 14, at the New Cebu Coliseum.

In the game earlier, the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers retained their third place honors after edging Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons, 72-70, in their knockout fight for third place.

The Magis Eagles were towed by Eroll Pastor who finished with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Contributing greatly to SHS-AdC’s win was Andre Velasco who finished with 15 points and pulled down 15 boards.

In contrast, the UC Junior Webmasters were lost with Gelmart Umpad only managing 4 points on charities. He went 0 of 12 in field goals.

None of the Junior Webmasters finished in double figures with topscorer John Bryl Cuyos only managing 9 points.

The championship experience of the Magis Eagles was at play as they displayed steel composure and led by as many as 30 points with less than 3 minutes of the ballgame. 

The Junior Webmasters, on the other hand, showed inexperience, hardly converting any of their charities and making every mistake a ball player can make in the game from shooting accuracy to passing.

Height also came into play as the Junior Webmasters couldn’t get inside the paint. 

It didn’t also help that at some point in the second half, UC head coach Jover Samonte even fielded 3 of his smaller players in Umpad, Mardy Paul Soco and Joseph Santome.

The Junior Webmasters were also not able to capitalize on their outside shooting despite not being able to score at the paint.

The UC Junior Webmasters will have to win Game 2 this Sunday, October 16, to stay in contention for the title.

UV Baby Lancers retains 3rd Place

The Baby Lancers, on the other hand, recovered from a sluggish start to rally in the final canto and wrestle the lead from CEC Dragons who led by as much as 21 points in the ballgame.

The team was led by Jhiey Paraldo with 15 points. 

CEC Dragons for its part had Vhann Joshua Baruc at the top with 13 points.

Scores 

Battle for 3rd

UV Baby Lancers (72) – Paraldo 15, Laurente 13, Jelianggao 10, Cabahug 8, Yerro 6, Bayaton 4, Maata 4, Oche 3, Brillo 2, Escobar 2.

CEC Dragons (70) – Baruc 13, Gonzaga 12, Tempra 12, Manlapat 11, Rey 11, Galarce 5, Banez 2, Casio 2, Gabutero 2.

Finals Game 1

SHS-AdC Magis Eagles (69) – Pastor 16, Velasco 15, Colonia 12, Manaytay 5, Tuadles 5, Visser 4, Mantua 3, Nacua 3, Chua 2, P. Yu 2.

UC Junior Webmasters (45) – Cuyos 9, Abejo 6, Ordeniza 6, Angco 5, Gabisan 4, Umpad 4, Casera 3, Resilla 3, Soco 3, Enriquez 2.  – Rappler.com