The University of the Cordilleras Jaguars almost bungled a 25 point lead but time was on their side in escaping a fighting Benguet State University Wild Cats, 96 – 89, in the on-going men’s basketball of the Baguio – Benguet Educational Athletic League Season 36.
Playing in front of an almost jampacked crowd at the UC Gymnasium Thursday evening, the Jaguars rather strated slow and trailed 8 – 16 midway first quarter but recovered to close out the period with a 29 – 20 lead.
It was cruise control the rest of the ball game for the Jaguars until the Wild Cats caught fire from beyond the arc late in the ball game that saw them trim the deficit into 10, 88 – 78 with three minutes left in the ball game.
While the Jaguars might have scored another victory for their season 36 campaign, coach Albin Santos said there are still alot of adjustments that needs to be done especially when they face the University of Baguio on Saturday.
” Yung adjustment sa depensa at offense, dun tayo nag focus. Pero sa tingin ko lalaban naman kame against sa mga top teams,” added Santos.
After their match – up with the Cardinals on November 9, the Jaguars will have their hands full again on Sunday, Nov. 10 at the PMA gym taking on University of the Philippines – Baguio Fighting Maroons, then the Philippine MIlitary Academy Cavaliers on Nov. 11 at their home court.
Another tough contest awaits the Jaguars when they see action against defending champion Cordillera Career Development College Admirals on Nov. 15 at the SLU Prince Benrhard Gym then close out their eliminations round campaign against the Saint Louis University Navigators on the 20th at their home turf.
Jan Rasec Ganilo had a game high of 25 points in leading the Jaguars and getting help from JUnlor De Guzman who added15 markers while Chester Nisperos and Alexis Prado added12 and 11 respectively.
Aljon Estillore and Lloyd Dennis Calma led the Wild Cats fightback late in the final canto with 24 and 22 points respectively as they combine for 10 triples in the ball game with Ritish Lal adding 10. Roderick Osis
UC Jaguars survive BSU Wild Cats’ late surge, hold on for 96-89 BBEAL victory
