THE University of the Visayas Green Lancers went to Bukidnon and got what they came for as they captured the championship in the 65th National Students Basketball Championship after they beat the erstwhile titlists Jose Maria College, 77-64, last Sunday night at the Jose Marie Zubiri Astrodome in the municipality of Don Carlos.
UV actually trailed by two, 30-32, at halftime but kept its eye on the prize and rattled off 13 straight points at the onset of the third canto to take a 43-42 lead.
The CM Farms-backed Green Lancers continued their course and eventually pushed the lead to a high of 21 points and cruised to the win.
Reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) MVP and Rookie of the Year Hernan Escosio added another MVP award to his trophy case as he and teammate John Abad were named as co-MVPs of the tournament. Escosio had 15 while Abad contributed 13 points.
The win also earned UV a slot in the 10th Asian University Basketball Championship, which will be held in Manila in September. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio