Even with another slow start, the University of Baguio Cardinals still managed to sneak past University of the Cordilleras Jaguars, 72 -58, and stay unbeaten after four games in men’s basketball of the Baguio – Benguet Educational Athletic League Season 36.
The Cardinals had another slow start, stared at a double-digit deficit, worked their way out of trouble before finally seizing the lead early in the third quarter and took control of the ball game until the final buzzer.
“Every game lagi kong sinasabi sa mga player na kunin natin yung momentum, sila yung mag adjust sa game natin pero hindi eh. Pero siguro and importante dun kung pano kami bumalik,” said coach Kevin Orduna.
Trailing 3 – 14 midway in the first canto, the Cardinals had to play catch – up with the Jaguars who are all pumped up while playing in front of a jampacked crowd at the UC gym.
It was the same scenario when the Cardinals played against the defending champion Cordillera Career Development College Admirals Thursday afternoon where they also trailed in double digit at the end of the first quarter.
“Siguro kailangan lang i-remind yung mga players number one, how important the game is, kasi gusto nating makuha yung number one seed,” added Orduna.
From a 17 – 26 deficit at the end of the first period, the Cardinals responded with a run of their own, allowing UC to only score seven points during the second quarter while converting 16 markers of their own and tie the ball game at 33 all during half time.
Riding high on their second quarter build – up, the Cardinals slowly pulled away the rest of the third quarter by outscoring the Jaguars anew, 21 – 11, and enjoy a 54 – 44 lead going into the final frame of the ball game.
Kevin Binnalay and Yzyz Palispis towed the Cardinals anew with their 12 points each while Shane Sison chipped in nine markers.
The Jaguars on the other hand leaned on Jan Rasec Ganilo and Jermaine Basto who scored 12 apiece. Roderick Osis
