Lancers into PCCL Elite Eight

ORMOC CITY, Philippines — The University of the Visayas Green Lancers easily dismantled the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) Rams of Bacolod City,  76-47, to rule the Visayas eliminations and Vis-Min Zonal of the prestigious Philippine Collegiate Champions League the other night at the Ormoc Superdome.

Thus, the Lancers of coach Gary Cortes advanced to the PCCL Final Eight where they get a chance to exact vengeance against their Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) rivals University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors as well as challenge the top teams from Manila led by the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws of the UAAP and the Letran Knights of the NCAA.

The Lancers are scheduled to leave for Manila on Sunday for  the PCCL games that will be played in San Juan Arena.

To set up a possible rematch against the Warriors, the Lancers must survive first against the National University Bulldogs, the San Beda Red Lions and and University of Sto. Tomas Growling Tigers in the knockout stage.

In booking a ticket to the PCCL National Finals, the Lancers had an easy time against the Holy Trinity College Wildcats of General Santos City and opposite the Rams of UNO-R.

The Lancers had little trouble against the Rams, with Steve Cedrick Akomo leading the charge anchored on his 16-point show. Former Philippine Youth team member Leonard Santillan chipped in 15 points followed by Arvie Cabñero with 10 markers.

In the battle for third place, the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars whipped ine HTC Wildcats, 81-69. Kevin Villafranca paced the Jaguars with 15 points. (FREEMAN)