Tough task ahead for UV in Russia

The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers are in for a rough time after they were drawn into the very same group as back-to-back champions Serbia in the 27th Summer Universiade, which will be held later this year in Kazan, Russia.

UV, which earned the right to represent the country after ruling the National Students Basketball Championship, was drawn to Group B in the four-group, 24-nation men’s basketball competition. Aside from Serbia, UV will also have to contend with Romania, Mexico, Japan and Mongolia.

Serbia retained the men’s basketball gold medal two years during the 26th Summer Universiade in Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China, beating Canada in the finals.

Russia, as the host nation of the 2013 Summer Universiade, was bracked in Pool A. Other teams in Pool A are Germany, Ukraine, Korea, Estonia and Oman. In Pool B are 2011 runner-up Canada, United States, Czech, Australia, United Arab Emirates and Sweden. In Pool D are Lithuania, Finland, Brazil, China, first-time Universiade participant Chile and Norway. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio