Lancers crush Warriors: Now 3-0 in CESAFI caging

CEBU, Philippines – Nine-time champion University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers hammered the depleted but courageous University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, 63-52, to grab the solo lead with a clean 3-0 slate in the collegiate division of the 10th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) season the other night at the Cebu Coliseum.

The UV Lancers are a full game ahead of the 2-0 University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters, who are gunning for their win tonight against the winless University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars.

The Lancers displayed better teamwork and put their acts together at the height of the Warriors' resilient rally towards the closing minutes of the fourth period where the latter managed to come closer at six points, 52-58, at the final 1:13 mark of the contest.

The Lancers, however, scored the game's last five points for the double-digit triumph.

Guards Ralf Olivares and Harold Cincoflores were at the firing end for UV scoring 12 and 11 points, respectively. They were the only Lancers who finished in double figures.

While Rene Jun Saycon's presence was a big help at the post, the other big man Andrew Avillanosa was never a threat and aside from scoring only two points, Avillanosa had an erratic showing.

The Warriors welcomed the return of Michael Cantonao from a week-long rest but it was the tandem of Joven Cid Cortes and Sam Hermosa who led USC with 17 and 15 points. There were already eight Warriors in uniform but two of them did not score. (THE FREEMAN)