UV squads off to sizzling start

Games today:
Cebu Coliseum
1 p.m. – CEC vs. Don Bosco (Juniors)
2:30 p.m. – CIT vs. USJ-R (Juniors)
4 p.m. – SHS-J vs. UC (Juniors)5:30 p.m. – SWU vs. USC (Seniors)
The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers took the first step in their quest for redemption as they posted a dominant, 81-62 win over the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters in the 2013 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) men’s basketball tournament last night at the Cebu Coliseum.

Ranged against a much-smaller UC frontline, the Green Lancers frolicked inside the shaded lane and scored one lay-up after another to pull away for good in the third canto.

The Webmasters remained within striking distance, 36-43, in the third but the Lancers, which lost to Southwestern University in the finals last year, closed out that stretch with a 7-0 run for a 50-36 lead heading to the final 10 minutes of play.

UV put away its opponents in the fourth with reigning MVP Wowie Escosio, Rhaffy Octobre and Arvie Cabanero taking turns scoring inside for an even 20-point lead, 63-43, with 6:13 left.

UV reinforcement Mike Harry had a stellar debut with 16 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and a block while Cabanero and Escosio added 13 and 12 points, respectively. Noel Villanueva paced the Webmasters with 15 markers.

In the juniors division, the UV Baby Lancers pulled off a tough one as they outlasted the University of San Carlos (USC) Baby Warriors, 77-74.

Ernesto Limitares drove a dagger of a three pointer as his trey from the left wing with 4.9 seconds left proved to be the game-winner.

The game was tied at 74-all after USC’s Kervin Villagracia scored off an inbound play and then on a fastbreak basket with 27 ticks left on the clock.

But that was enough time for UV. John Escalona drove down the lane, drew the defense and found Limitares open on the wing for the go-ahead jumper.
USC had a shot to tie the game but Paul Galinato inexplicably tried for a two-pointer as time expired.

Jun Manzo had a sensational game for UV with 22 points, 12 coming in the second canto. Escalona had 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.

Villagracia led USC with 21 points and six boards.