UV Lancers show kindness by helping injured rivals

CEBU, Philippines — They may be fierce opponents on the court, but when rivals are hurting, the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers know that basketball rivalry takes a back seat to compassion.

The reigning four-peat champions demonstrated this by reaching out to two players from rival schools facing difficult health challenges.

Four days ago, the Lancers visited Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) guard Keith Francis Marquez, who was hospitalized after sustaining an injury during the Wildcats’ 59-53 victory over the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 26 basketball tournament on October 1 at the Cebu Coliseum.

But the Lancers’ gesture of kindness did not end there.

Two days later, they extended another helping hand to Benedicto College (BC) Cheetahs player Horrace Morata, who needs financial assistance for surgery to repair a complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear.

The Tagbilaran City native had turned to social media to seek help for the costly procedure.

Touched by Morata’s heartfelt appeal, the Lancers responded.

In a simple but meaningful turnover ceremony before their game Thursday night, October 8, the Lancers handed Morata P200,000 in cash assistance.

“We just want to show that it is better to be the ones helping than to be the ones being helped,” said Lancers head coach Gary Cortes.

“We also could not have done this without the support of the UV supporters and sponsors who share our vision and advocacy for young people who are pursuing their dreams,” Cortes added, referring to their benefactors, Mario Bantilan and Virgie Allones of CM Farm Basketball.

The gesture showed that while competition may divide teams on the court, compassion can unite them off it.

For the Lancers, winning championships matters, but helping rivals in times of need is a victory that goes beyond basketball.

Cheetahs end  lancers’ streak

Meanwhile, Den Rick Orgong scored 16 points with three rebounds, two assists and four steals as the Cheetahs prevailed over the Lancers, 64-55, in a battle of league leaders to finish the first round with the league’s best record at 7-1.

Serge Gabines, Kenneth Babalcon and Jesli Faye de la Cruz added 10 points apiece for the Cheetahs, who took control early by building a 12-point lead and never looked back.

Two-time Most Valuable Player Kent Ivo Salarda posted a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds laced with three assists, while 2024 MVP Raul Gentallan contributed 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal.

Their efforts, however, went unrewarded as the Lancers’ six-game winning streak came to an end, dropping them to 6-2.

In high school play, the UC Junior Webmasters improved to 7-1 after escaping the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons, 47-43, in a low-scoring encounter.

No UC player scored in double figures, but the team’s balanced attack proved enough to overcome a 24-point explosion by CEC’s Cedric de la Rosa.

King Rosello Navarro added 10 points for the Dragons, who absorbed their third loss in five games.