CEBU CITY — Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu captured the Chooks-to-Go Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation (CESAFI) Season 22 high school basketball title with an 80-60 victory over City of Bogo Science and Arts Academy in Game 2 on Tuesday at the Cebu Coliseum here.
Although the Trailblazers put up a tougher stand in Game 2, the Magis Eagles overcame their foes with equal parts skill, strength, and lots of composure in the highly-physical affair that saw lots of technical fouls called on players from both squads.
The championship was Ateneo de Cebu’s second straight Cesafi crown. They now have six titles overall, second only to University of the Visayas’ seven championships.
Ahead by 15 at halftime after a fiery second period finish capped off by a free-throw by Jelo Rota and a putback by Ramon Salvoro, the Magis Eagles started the third with a 14-2 run sparked by Rota’s energetic play on both ends of the floor.
Gilas Youth guard Jared Bahay also got in on the action for a triple that gave Ateneo de Cebu its largest lead of the game at 30, 62-32.
CBSAA did not let up and pulled to within 20, 71-51, behind a brief run led by Jerome Arboiz who canned a four-point play and a straightaway triple.
However, Ateneo de Cebu kept its composure and answered with points from Rafael Arradaza and William Go to push their lead back to 25, 78-53, and eventually nip CBSAA’s rally in the bud.
(C) Ron Tolin
Bahay, who was named the league’s Most Valuable Player, led the Magis Eagles with 22 points and nine rebounds. Rota added 15 points while Michael Asoro had 12.
Arboiz was CBSAA’s high-point man with 25.
