Lancers forge rubber match

CEBU, Philippines – The University of the Visayas Green Lancers hammered a 60-52 victory in Game 4 to force a sudden-death match in their best-of-five collegiate division finals in the 15th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. men’s basketball tournament last night at the Cebu Coliseum.

Lancers survived a poor field goal shooting and went for Steve Cedrick Akomo for the offense that paved way for their win. UV has a chance to complete a come-from-behind series win in Game 5 set on Tuesday.

The Warriors, who needed only to win last night for their first collegiate title in 57 years, started strong with their hot shooting from the three-point territory to open up a 28-17 lead late in the first period.

Trailing eight points at the half, 22-30, the more experienced Lancers made a 13-0 run to start the third period and grabbed the lead, 33-30 on a three-pointer by Francisco Arong.

The Warriors restored the lead, 44-41, going to the final period, but the Lancers went all-out as they launch an 11-0 rally for an eight point edge, 52-44, with 6:38 left in the ballgame.

Warrior’s import Shooster Olago was held to career-low seven points and was in foul trouble which Akomo took advantage.  Akomo was named best player of the game for his 13 points and 13 rebounds with two assists.

Arong topscored the local with 11 points as Leonard Santillan chipped in 10 markers.

The Warriors failed to capitalize on a bad game by June Kent Manzo who had an off night scoring only seven points.

Victor Rabat and Charles Pepito made 11 points apiece to lead the Warriors. Reliable scorer Ian Tagapan became the missing link for his team as he only managed to contribute two points.

The Scores:

UV ( 60) — Akomo 13, Arong 11, Santillan 10, Cabanero 9, Manzo 7, Codilla 5, Mendoza 3, Segumpan 2

USC (52) — Rabat 11, Pepito 11, Olago 7, Lim 5, Magat 5, Laguyo 4, Suarez 3, Tagapan 2, Ortega 2, McAloney 2. (FREEMAN)