UV routs CIT-U but loses Abad

THE UNIVERSITY of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers nabbed the second seed heading to the quarterfinals after they crushed the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats, 82-68, in the 2013 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) men’s basketball tournament last night at the Cebu Coliseum.

The win was a costly one for the former nine-time champions Lancers as they lost star guard John Abad to an ankle injury in the first period.

The Lancers finished this round with a 5-1 (win-loss) record and will face the seventh seed in the Final Eight, armed with a twice-to-beat advantage.

UV’s humongous frontline lorded it over CIT-U’s non-existent one with four players scoring in double-figures. Imports Steve Akomo and Mike Harry combined for 27 points and 16 boards while Chris Perolino added 12. Arvie Cabanero also chipped in 10.

The Wildcats tried to keep in step behind the shotmaking of Floyd Taboada and Joshua dela Cerna as they came within four, 42-46, with 2:45 left in the third.

But Franz Arong and Harry connected on several baskets including the first six of the fourth that gave UV a 60-45 lead.

Taboada led the Wildcats with 25 points while Dela Cerna added 23 as they fell to 1-4.

In the juniors division, the Cebu Eastern College Dragons (5-2) got second place in the standings as they beat the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Baby Panthers (3-4), 94-82. /correspondent Jonas Panerio