CEBU CITY — Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu routed City of Bogo Science of Arts Academy, 66-45, in Game 1 of the Chooks-to-Go Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) Season 22 high school basketball tournament on Sunday at the Cebu Coliseum here.
It was an intense affair that saw numerous clashes occur, including one in the second period wherein assistant coaches from both squads got ejected from the match. However, despite that, it was all Ateneo de Cebu as they kept their composure all through the match and emerge with an easy victory.
The Magis Eagles can win their second straight Cesafi title with a win in Game 2 on Tuesday afternoon.
Jared Bahay and Michael Asoro led the Magis Eagles with 15 points, while Jelo Rota added 10.
Ateneo de Cebu got off to a fast start and led 21-9 after the first period. The second was where things got more physical as CBSAA coaches took exception to an Ateneo de Cebu player encroaching in their huddle. Some pushing and shoving occurred between coaches and players before cooler heads prevailed.
Despite the extracurricular activities, the Magis Eagles posted a 37-17 lead at halftime as their tight defense held the Trailblazers to 6-of-36 shooting.
Ateneo de Cebu extended their lead to a high of 28, 45-17, after a corner triple by Michael Asoro. The Trailblazers showed signs of life as they pulled to within 18, 34-52, but the Magis Eagles responded with three straight trifectas from Rafael Arradaza and Jared Bahay to extend their lead to 61-34.
The victory by Ateneo de Cebu gave them a measure of revenge against CBSAA, which beat them in the elimination round, 79-82.
The loss was CBSAA’s first of the tournament. They were riding a 10-game winning streak heading to Game 1.
Nobody scored in double-figures for CBSAA. Lance Sabroso was their high-point man with nine.
