The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers flaunted their depth and strength as they humiliated the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers, 106-53, in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) men’s basketball tournament last night at the Cebu Coliseum.
Like the heavy rain that poured down yesterday evening, so too did the buckets fall for the mighty Lancers as they vented their ire upon the hapless Panthers after losing their first game of the season last Saturday against age-old rivals Southwestern University (SWU).
The game was rather tame after the first period as the Lancers nabbed a 19-12 lead. Then, the floodgates started opening starting with a 14-2 run that gave them a 49-23 lead at halftime. The third period offered no rest for the weary Panthers, as the Lancers uncorked a 21-4 run that erected a 74-35 lead.
The result was academic from that point onwards with the Lancers finishing the game with a flurry of points to become the first team this season to get past the century mark.
Partner’s Cup Most Valuable Player John Abad led the squad with 24 points, four assists and five steals while Alfred Codilla added 17.
Arvie Cabanero had 16 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals while Rhaffy Octobre chipped in 13.
USPF fell to its third loss in a row and into a tie for the worst record in the league with the University of Cebu Webmasters.
Jomario Sollano and Michael Smith each had 10 to lead the Panthers.
In the juniors division, the reigning champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles registered their fifth win in a row after they thumped the University if San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Baby Jaguars, 70-53.
The Magis Eagles set the tone early as they held the Baby Jaguars to just three points in the opening canto for a 19-3 lead. They would not look back after that.
Guard AJ Ong broke out for 11 points in a balanced scoring effort that also saw starting point man Gio Laguyo tally 10.
Brian Divinagracia shot six three-pointers to pace USJ-R with 18 points. The Baby Jaguars fell to their fourth loss in as many outings.
BOX SCORES:
UV (106) – Abad 22, Codilla 17, Cabañero 16, Octobre 13, Nzuesseu 9, Akomo 8, Escosio 6, Arong 4, Santillan 3, Villamor 2, Fajardo 2, Marquez 2, Mendoza 0, Babia 0.
USPF (53) – Sollano 10, Smith 10, Escanilla 9, Sano 8, Camello 6, Nudalo 4, Badrina 4, Culango 2, Muñez 0, Estrada 0, Batac 0, Romande 0, Ompad 0, Sastrillas 0.
Quarterscores: 19-12, 49-23, 78-39, 106-53.