UV Lancers shoot for 2-0 lead

CEBU, Philippines - The University of the Visayas Green Lancers shoot for a commanding 2-0 lead but they must brace for a fightback from the University of San Carlos Warriors in Game 2 of the best-of-five 16th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. collegiate basketball finals today at the Cebu Coliseum.

Following their masterful 76-60 demolition of the Warriors in the series opener last Saturday, the Lancers of coach Gary Cortes inched closer to their bid of ending a two-year title drought. Then mentored by Felix 'Donbel' Belano, Jr., they won their last championship in 2013.

The Lancers relied on a furious offensive in the final half to crush the Warriors and even their head-to-head record this season at two games apiece.

After a 47-47 deadlock, the Lancers handcuffed the warriors to only two points in the last two minutes of the third period and just four in the first seven minutes of the last quarter.

In that stretch, the Lancers 25-6 to rip the game apart, 72-53, at the final 2:54 mark of the contest.

"It was a good thing that we limited the production of their shooters in the second half," said Cortes, even as he looks forward to tough challenge ahead from the Warriors.

"For the coming games,  I always told my boys to play one game at a time and play each game as if it is their last. I'm sure coach Rommel (Rasmo) will do some adjustments," he added.

Rasmo humbly admitted that they were simple outsmarted by the Lancers, especially in the final half where they suffered a huge meltdown on both ends of the court.

"They really outplayed us in that game, especially in the second half. As for Game 2, we will come out with a lot of energy just like what we have been doing before," said Rasmo.

For the Warriors to equalize the series, the likes of Ian Tagapan, Victor Rabat and Kevin Oledo must keep their guns ablaze. There's no room for them to relax as USC's lifeline mainly relies on them.

Import Scoty Ntumba must also step up his game as well as Condrad Catapusan, Clint Muñez, Malcolm Tan and Gio Laguyo. Catapusan, the All-Star MVP, was a non-factor and his perimeter gunning and post-up players were nowhere in sight.

The Lancers, on the other hand, hope to still draw a sterling performance from Jan Monic Soliva, Rey Suerte, Alfred Codilla and Josue Segumpan.

With foreign reinforcement Bassieru Sackor in tow, the Lancers could also count on Jason Balabag, Michael Macion, Jerome Napao and Sheldon Gahi. (FREEMAN)