For second straight year Lancers rule Coke PBA Visayas finals

CEBU, Philippines - From the opening tip, the UV-backed Team Lancers made sure they were going back to Manila for a second straight year.

Methodical and clinical, the reigning Coke PBA Visayas champions routed Iloilo/Ateneo de Iloilo, 71-47, to sweep the opposition and bag the 2013 Visayas championship of the Coca Cola PBA Youngstars Basketball Tournament 2013 at the Capitol Parish Gym.

The Lancers dominated every aspect of the game, going to their dribble-drive offense and transition game to rip the game open from the get go for a 24-9 lead after one quarter.

Guards Jun Manzo and Orlan Wamar banged three triples and combined for 13 first period points to start the rout. Joshua Flores took over in the second period pouring in 12 points including two triples to give the Lancers a 42-25 lead at halftime.

It was cruise control from then on with Coach Jay Mar Canoy having the luxury of fielding his reserves and still maintain control of the game and the lead. At the end of three quarters, it was 54-34 for the Lancers.

Iloilo had no reply for the onslaught. The only ray of light for Coach Jophil Cercado was the hot-shooting Miguel Sasuman who single-handedly carried the team on his shoulders, scoring 25 points including four treys.

Flores had 25 points to lead the Lancers while Manzo added 15. Wamar chipped in 12.

Earlier, Bacolod/West Negros University defeated Iloilo/Ateneo de Iloilo, 50-43, to snatch the third place honors.

The Lancers have now won the first two editions of both the Cebu and Visayas legs of the tournament organized by the PBA, and will now face the other regional champions from all over the country and Metro Manila at the national finals which will be held May 19-26 in Manila. Cebu placed second to the San Beda-backed Taytay squad in last year’s national finals.

The scores

Cebu/Lancers (71) – Flores 25, Manzo 15, Wamar 12, Morre 6, Balbosa 4, Silorio 4, Gonzaga 3, King 2, Oche 2

Iloilo/Ateneo de Iloilo (47) – Sasuman 25, Gabriel 8, Ong 6, Guadalupe 3, Babas 2, Escarilla 2, Diaz 1 (FREEMAN)