THE PRIME Asia-University of the Visayas Green Lancers stood their ground and zoomed to their second straight victory after they pounded the Lion Tiger-University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers, 88-75, in the 2013 Enervon Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) Partner’s Cup yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.
Much like their first game in this tournament, a 90-57 mauling of the Gaisano Capital South-University of Cebu (UC), the Green Lancers appeared focused and intent on redeeming themselves after their Game Five debacle in the Cesafi finals last year. They did this yesterday with a mixture of balanced scoring and tenacious defense, which led to their second win in as many games.
Veteran guard John Abad, one of the few pillars remaining on the squad, led four players in double figures with 14 points while Wowie Escosio, the league’s first and only player to simultaneously win the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards, had 10 points, the same output as Vincent Mendoza and Alfred Codilla.
The Panthers’ offense sputtered all-game long, typified by the mere 10-point performance of Joseph Sedurifa, the lone player to reach twin digits for USPF.
In the second game, Gaisano Capital equalized its record to 1-1 (win-loss) after upsetting the Cebu Landmasters Inc.-University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, 80-74.
Comebacking center Hans Kirby Cabrera anchored a brilliant showing by the rebuilding Webmasters with 14 points, two assists and two steals. USPF, UC and USC now share similar 1-1 marks. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio