Webmasters shoot for the kill vs Lancers

CEBU, Philippines — The University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters hope to ride on the momentum of their stunning victory in the series opener as they try to sweep the defending champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers in the 23rd Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc (CESAFI) college division finals today at the Cebu Coliseum.

With their 63-66 upset of the previously undefeated Lancers, the Webmasters moved one step closer towards ending their 12-year title drought.

The Webmasters of coach Kernn Sesante could practically wrap up their first crown since 2011 if they repeat their mastery over the Lancers in Game 2 of their best-of-three championship showdown that tips off at 5:15 p.m.

But the Webmasters must brace themselves for one big war as they Gary Cortes-mentored Lancers will surely fight to the death to forge a rubber match.

Game 3, if necessary, is set for Saturday, December 16.

Before drawing first blood, the Webmasters squandered a huge 41-27 lead late in the first half but recovered in time to complete a thrilling three-point escape.

The Lancers rallied back with finesse to wrest the driver's seat, 58-57, at the final 3:29 mark but only for a brief moment as the Luther Leonard, Jasper Pacaña, Jhiey Paraldo, and Maverick Eligoyo put their acts together to bail the Webmasters out of danger.

After Pacaña converted on a crucial follow-up shot off a Roosevelt Jelianggao miss with only 14.2 seconds to go, the Lancers had a chance to forge an overtime but misfired back-to-back attempts from beyond the arc as the time expired.

It was a complete reversal of fortune from last year's finals wherein the Lancers pounded the Webmasters in Game 1, 90-62, on the way to grabbing the crown in three games.

The Lancers are now in danger of losing their throne but they are expected to bounce back with their full might trying to extend the series into its full route.