Sizzling start for UV in University Games
Reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers started their campaign in the 18th Filoil University Games on an impressive note as they claimed two straight wins at the start of the basketball tournament yesterday at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City.
Fresh off their conquest of the Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras in the recently concluded Cesafi finals, the Green Lancers showed the Davaoenos what Cebuano basketball was all about as they blasted their opponents, 96-43.
Fiery guard John Abad once again reprised his role as the team’s heart and soul as he paced the squad with 14 points in that game while Franz Arong scored 11 points even as rookie revelation Leonard Santillan and Cesafi Finals hero Wowie Escosio added 10 points apiece.
In the afternoon, UV did not miss a beat as it destroyed the Holy Angel University from Angeles City, Pampanga, 114-56. Rhaffy Octobre led four players in double figures, with 16 points while Abad chipped in 15 markers. Arvie Cabanero tallied 14 while import Steve Akomo, scored 12.
UV will be put to test today when it faces off against Kiefer Ravena and the rest of the former five-time UAAP champions Ateneo Blue Eagles at 11 a.m. at the West Negros University gym.
Not to be outdone, Cesafi third placers University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors likewise won their first two assignments. First, they crushed Father Saturnino Urios University from Butuan City, 102-49, before plastering Hercor College from Capiz City, 91-71. Next up for USC will be St. Louis University from Baguio City.
One Cesafi squad, though, fell by the wayside as the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars got beaten by the University of Northern Philippines, 61-62.
The Jaguars, under new head coach Jun Noel, will have a chance to redeem themselves today as they battle the Holy Cross of Davao in the morning before tangling with the homecourt-toting University of St. La Salle in the afternoon.
