Slowly but surely, the grassroots program of the University of the Visayas (UV) is building itself a dynasty much like their older counterparts.
The Baby Lancers claimed another crown as they topped the regional championships of the Coca Cola PBA Youngstars Basketball Tournament by defeating the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, 65-56, last Sunday afternoon at the West Negros University gym in Bacolod City.
The win allowed the Baby Lancers of head coach Jaymar Canoy to sweep their games and claim the title. More importantly, UV earned for itself a slot in the national finals, which will be held this weekend in Manila.
The title is another feather in the cap of the burgeoning grassroots basketball program of UV spearheaded by team manager Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas.
Earlier this year, UV notched the crown in the prestigious SBP National Under-16 Champoionships in Baguio City.
The game was played on even terms for the first three periods, which ended with the two teams tied at 46-all.
The Baby Lancers turned the intensity level up higher in the fourth canto, which got them the crucial momentum to pull away for the win.
Gerald Fernandez led the onslaught with 17 points while Ralph Dinolan added 14. Wily guard John Escalona chipped in 11.
UNO-R got 22 from Patrick Yulo while Emmanuel Bernales scored 16 points.