S’western U nears Cesafi cage crown

Southwestern University inched closer to clinching double crowns after slipping past University of San Carlos, 59-55, in Game 1 of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) championship on Monday night at Cebu City Coliseum.

The winner of the best-of-five  series will not only rule Visayas’ premier varsity tournament, but also bag the Southern Island title of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL).

Jovanie Luz led the SWU Cobras assault with 15 points, while Ladry Sanjo (13 points) and Mac Tallo (10 points, nine rebounds, five assists) also delivered solid outings.

The Cesafi finalists will advance to the Elite Eight of the nationwide tournament, where they’ll have a shot at testing their mettle against UAAP Finalists Far Eastern University and National University, the top two NCAA teams and other collegiate contenders.

Right before the Cesafi Finals, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos also drubbed General Santos City’s Holy Trinity College, 75-69, in a knockout game in the PCCL Visayas-Mindanao qualifier.

The UNO-R Rams, who leaned on Cullen Testa (20 points),  will clash with the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars next.

Other regional qualifiers unfold on Nov. 3 with the North-Central Luzon leg at Lyceum North Western University Gym in Dagupan City and South Luzon-Bicol phase at Robredo Coliseum in Naga City.  Jasmine W. Payo