The Prime Asia-University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers claimed the first finals berth in the 2013 Enervon-Cesafi Partner’s Cup after they trounced the San Marino Corned Tuna-Cebu Institute of Technology University (CIT–U) Wildcats, 83-67, in the semifinals yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.
In the day’s other semifinal match, the Cebu Landmasters-University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors kept their title hopes alive as they put on a stellar scoring display and toppled the importless Gaisano Capital South-University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters, 116-84.
The top two teams after the single round-robin semis advance to the championship round.
The Green Lancers took advantage of their heft and height advantage as they pulled away for good in the fourth period behind the interior baskets of the Cesafi’s Rookie of the Year-MVP Wowie Escosio and high-leaping African import Steve Akomo.
Abad and Escosio each had 17 to pace the winners while Akomo had 16.
Vincent Mendoza chipped in 14. Joshua dela Cerna had 17 points but San Marino needed more from Floyd Taboada and Vincent Menguito, who both failed to crack double digits in scoring.
In the first game, the rout was on in the high-scoring affair as five Warriors scored in double-figures led by Stephen Que, who had 22.
UC played without star import Arnaud Noah, who was suspended for one game after getting ejected in their last game.