Lancers tame Jaguars for third time in a row

CEBU, Philippines – The University of the Visayas Green Lancers upstaged the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars for the third consecutive time this season.

The only difference this time is that they were in full command of the match from start to finish.

Riding on the crest of a splashing 19-4 start, the Lancers surged to an 87-77 victory over the Jaguars at the start of the semifinal round in the collegiate division of the 15th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men's basketball tournament last night at the Cebu Coliseum.

Former Philippine Youth team member Leonard Santillan unloaded 23 points on top of 10 rebounds, while Franz Arong, the newly-crowned '3-point king' of the league, finished with 18 points spiked, of course, with a crisp trey that assured the Lancers' victory with an unassailable 85-74 lead entering the final two-minute zone of the contest.

Cameroonian import Steve Cedrick Akomo banged in 12 points and hauled the same number of rebounds, while spunky playmaker Alfred Codilla was equally-impressive with 10 points, five assists and five steals in an all-around for the Lancers, who never relinquished an early 15-point advantage.

The Jaguars did stage a daring fightback to pull within just two points, 52-54, but the Lancers quickly regrouped to regain a double-digit edge, 66-56, for good late in the third period.

The Jaguars came within striking range for the last time at 64-71 with still 6:54 left to play as June Kent Manzo, Jerome Napao and Arong made crucial shits to bail the Lancers out of danger.

Ralph Dinolan topscored for the Jaguars with 18 points followed by Jaybie Mantilla and Miguel Gastador with 17 markers each in a losing effort. (FREEMAN)