Lancers, Easternians win big in Coke PBA opening games

CEBU, Philippines - Defending champion Team Lancers and tournament darkhorse Easternians routed their respective opponents to kick off the Coca Cola PBA Youngstars Basketball Tournament 2013 Cebu Leg. The Lancers cruised to a 60-22 win over the Cebu Greywolves, while the Easternians beat Team Panthers, 76-58.

The Lancers, which placed second to Taytay at last year’s national finals of this annual summer tournament, got things going early, limiting their foes to only two points in the first period and streaking to a 31-8 halftime lead.

It was cruise control all the way to the end of the game for Coach Jay Mar Canoy’s forces. Jun Manzo led the Lancers with 20 points while Theo Joshua Flores added 12.

On the other hand, the Easternians faced a bit of resistance early on, leading 18-11 at the end of the first quarter before breaking the game wide open to take a 39-19 lead at the half. Coach Rodmark del Rosario leaned on Denzel Sabroso who led the team with a game-high 21 points while Mark Berdera had 16.

Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner Chito Salud and Coca Cola’s Atty. Adel Tamano graced the opening ceremonies along with PBA’s Willie Marcial and Cebu City Councilor and Coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba.

Salud thanked Coca Cola for partnering with the PBA and called on the players to use the tournament to grow both as players and persons. Tamano emphasized the need for all to have an active, healthy lifestyle and assured everyone of Coca Cola’s support for the league.

In the other games, Team Eagles outran ACES, 73-29 while Perfect Sports Outfit/One on One overcame a tough Bohol-based Golden Dragons side 86-72. John Chen and Popoy Navarro had 10 points apiece in leading a balanced scoring attack for the charges of Coach Helben Regodon.

Nipre Carl Carbajosa led the PSO/One on One with 17 points, getting support from Jun Carlo Bughaw and Mark Jungin Gapo who had 15 and 14 points, respectively.

The Cebu leg is one of 12 provincial tournaments that kicked off this summer league. The Cebu champion will face the champions from Bacolod and Iloilo for the right to represent the Visayas in the national finals slated May 19-26 in Manila. (PR) (FREEMAN)