Lancers dominate Mustangs in Alegado Cup hoop

CEBU, Philippines — The two-time Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) defending champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers opened their campaign with a 90-69 blowout of the Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges (CRMC) Mustangs in the inaugural Mayor Teresa Alegado Invitational Cup Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament on Sunday night, September 8, at the Consolacion covered court.

Ivan Clark Alsola charted 15 points while reigning CESAFI Most Valuable Player Kent Ivo Salarda and Albert John “AJ” Sacayan finished with 22 combined points for the Lancers, who whipped up a furious offensive storm in the last quarter to trounce the Mustangs.

The Lancers were on top by just five, 56-61, after three quarters, but the boys of coach Gary Cortes went on a 29-13 scoring splurge in the windup to thrash the Mustangs by 21 points at the final buzzer.

Keaton Taburnal fired 24 points while Jack Roa and Earl Laniton tallied 11 markers apiece but their efforts went for naught as the Mustangs crashed to their second straight loss.

In the other game, the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors quickly bounced back from an opening day setback and they did it in come-from-behind fashion against the Benedicto College Cheetahs, 86-82.

Down by a double-digit early on, 12-22, the Warriors trailed for most of the way but relied on a strong endgame punch to knock down the Cheetahs.

James Gica and Kyle Maglinte connived for 35 points while Ren Enriquez contributed 15 points for the Warriors.

Den Rick Orgong paced the Cheetahs with 24 points while AJ Tolipas netted 18 points in a losing cause. — (FREEMAN)