ARQ-UV Green Lancers bag championship crown of Kalumonan cage wars

CEBU, Philippines — The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers added another title to their packed trophy case this year.

Backed by ARQ Builders, the Green Lancers emerged as champions of the 9th Kalumonan Festival Mayor’s Cup Open Commercial Basketball League on Monday, August 26, in the municipality of San Agustin in Surigao del Sur.

Behind a balanced attack, the Lancers dominated the RKR Panabo of Davao del Norte, 92-74, in their sudden-death final match.

The back-to-back Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) titleholders were never threatened since getting off to a sizzling 26-15 start.

The Lancers sustained their hot charge to keep a comfortable 76-61 lead after three quarters.

From there, UV smoothly cruised to an 18-point blowout of RKR Panabo capped by team captain Jimpaul Amistoso’s wide-open 3-pointer  in the closing seconds of the lopsided contest.

In grabbing their fifth crown since topping the Barangay Bulacao Sinulog Cup Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament last February in Cebu City, the Lancers further boosted their confidence as they seek for another three-peat in the upcoming CESAFI Season 24 set to kick off on September 21 at the Cebu Coliseum. — EBV