UV routs USJ-R

Games today:

Cebu Coliseum

5:15 p.m. – UV vs. CEC (jrs.)

6:45 p.m. – SWU vs. USPF (srs.)

The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers shrugged off the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars, 78-54, to get their second round stint off to a winning start in the seniors division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) basketball tournament late Sunday night at the Cebu Coliseum.

The victory pushed the former nine-time champions to solo second place with a 5-2 (win-loss) record while sending the struggling Jaguars to their sixth loss in seven games.

UV set the game’s tempo as early as the first period, which they finished on top, 27-14.

Phil Mercader, Jerome Silva and Edrian Lao fueled that breakway by combining for 19 of those points as the Green Lancers cruised to the easy win as they held the Jaguars further down to just nine markers in the second period to lead, 39-23, at halftime.

Four players finished in twin digits for the Green Lancers led by the 14 of Mercader and the 13 of Lao. Rene Saycon and Chris Perolino chipped in 12 each.

Abulaiz Suliman paced the losing team with 14 while Jason Olbedado and Jayson Nudalo scored 10 apiece.

Meanwhile, an explosive matchup awaits in the juniors division today as the defending champions Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons seek revenge against the UV Baby Lancers.

UV humbled CEC, 62-47, in the opening game of the season on their way to finishing the first round with a 7-1 record, good for second place.

UV is now at 8-1 after defeating the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers, 70-67, last Friday.

The Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras will also see action tonight when they face off against USPF in the seniors division.