UV Green Lancers kick-start Grand Slam bid on high note

Games today

5:15 p.m. BC vs USPF (jrs.)

6:45 p.m. USC vs USPF (srs.)

CEBU, Philippines — The two-time defending champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers launched their Grand Slam campaign with a wire-to-wire 78-71 victory over the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 24 basketball tournament on Sunday, September 22, at the Cebu Coliseum.

Raul Gentallan topscored for the Lancers with 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists. The league’s reigning MVP Kent  Ivo Salarda submitted a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while team captain Jimpaul Amistoso added 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals in a sterling all-around show.

Ivan Clark Alsola chipped in with 10 markers on top of five rebounds, one assist, and one steal for the Lancers, who were in full command after surging to an 18-point advantage, 24-6, late in the first period.

The Jaguars staged a daring fightback to pull within 53-60 on a 9-0 blitz towards the end of the third quarter, but the Lancers played steadier down the stretch to walk away with a rousing seven-point triumph.

Elmer Echavez  paced the Jaguars with 19 points, 12 rebounds and three assists. Ehman Suarez, Felvic Dorado, and El John Lacaya tallied 11 points each but their efforts went for naught.

USJ-R still has something to be happy about though as the Baby Jaguars clobbered the University of San Carlos (USC) Baby Warriors, 82-60, in high school play.

J Lord Pepito shined the brightest for the Baby Jaguars with a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double. He was ably backed up by Jan Mark Toring and Jan Vince Oringo who combined for 20 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists.

In other result, the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) spoiled the debut of league newcomer Benedicto College Baby Cheetahs via a 77-53 rout.

Wade Adam Luche topped UCLM with 15 points, eight rebounds, and three steals, while Prince Mallorca and Jhon Jorvy Rodelis contributed 14 points apiece. — (FREEMAN)