The Prime Asia Lending-University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers kicked off their title-retention bid on a promising note as they blew out the Gaisano Capital South-University of Cebu (UC), 80-57, in the Enervon-Cesafi Partner’s Cup yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.
What was a nip-and-tuck game in the first half quickly became a one-sided rout as the Lancers asserted their might in the third canto and outscored the Webmasters 29-14.
6-foot-7 Cameroonian Steve Akomo fueled the assault by scoring all nine of his points on a barrage of inside makes.
Angelo Babia topped Prime Asia with 13 points while Franz Arong and Alfred Codilla each had 10.
The Lancers are gearing up for another title run in the Cesafi, something they haven’t done since 2009. They came close last year before melting down in Game Five of the finals and losing to Southwestern University.
In the second game, the Lion Tiger Katol-University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers stunned the Raphael’s Sports Bar-University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars, 63-57.
Gen Nudalo paced the winners with 13 points while former Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu ace Rendell Senining led the losing squad with 20.
The Jaguars appeared to be in control in the early goings as they led 21-8 but the Panthers did not let up and took the upper hand, 34-23, at halftime behind the 12 second period points of Nudalo.
Raphael’s came storming back in the final stretch and grabbed the lead back at 55-53 after a three by Senining.