Lancers, Panthers nail  second win in CESAFI

CEBU, Philippines —  The defending champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers stayed unbeaten after two starts in the 23rd Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men’s basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Gary Cortes-mentored Lancers slaughtered the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats, 90-60, while the Panthers, under the tutelage of Alan Cabatingan, spanked the Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras 61-52, to also go 2-0 in the college division.

Albert John “AJ” Sacayan sank six 3-pointers of his topscoring 22 points, including 16 in the first half that vaulted the Lancers to a commanding 51-22 lead at the bend.

UV’s prized catch from Bukidnon in Ivo Salarda joined the scoring frenzy in the fourth period where he unloaded 12 of his 18 points to help the Lancers seal their 30-point blowout of the Wildcats, who crashed to their third straight loss.

In the juniors level, the sister teams from the University of Cebu (UC) stayed on a roll.

Kian Luchavez sparkled with 24 points as UC Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) of coach Calib Gawangon edged the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Blue Dragons, 69-54, in a battle of undefeated teams.

Kyle de la Torre tallied 15 markers while Revo Lao and Geo Rey Lumagod connived for 23 points as UCLM firmed up its grip of the solo lead with an immaculate 4-0 record.

On the other hand, Lourdonie Cuyos and Lord Ryan Tinajora charted 14 points each as the UC Baby Webmasters of coach Joever “Brad” Samonte extended their hot streak to three games in a row with a 65-37 shellacking of the University of San Carlos (USC) Baby Warriors.