THE defending champions Lancers emerged victorious at the start of the Cebu leg of the Coca Cola PBA Youngstars Basketball Tournament 2013 last Monday at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu gym in Canduman, Mandaue City.
The Lancers, a team manned by the University of the Visayas, had an easy time disposing of the Don Bosco-backed Greywolves, 60-22, to kick off their title defense on a positive note.
The Lancers actually made it all the way to the national finals but fell prey to the San Beda-manned Taytay team in the championship game.
They underscored their desire to make it all the way back to the nationals by limiting their opponents to just two points in the first period en route to establishing a 31-8 lead at halftime.
Jun Manzo had 20 to lead the winners while Joshua Flores added 12. In other games, the Cebu Eastern College-backed Easternians beat the Panthers of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 76-58, with Denzel Sabroso tallying 21 and Mark Berdera adding 16.
The SHS-AdC-manned Eagles crushed the Athletes for Christ in Excellent Service, 73-29, while Perfect Sports Outfit/One on One overcame a tough Bohol-based Golden Dragons side, 86-72. /correspondent Jonas Panerio