UV Lancers personify true Visayanian spirit

CEBU, Philippines - University of the Visayas President Eduardo "Eddiegul" R. Gullas yesterday extolled the UV Green Lancers for personifying the Visayanian spirit anchored on their record-establishing feat in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men's basketball tournament two weeks ago at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Lancers completed a highly improbable comeback when they vanquished the once invincible Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras three times in succession to become the first team ever in CESAFI’s 13-year history to recover from a 0-2 series deficit on the way to clinch the coveted championship of Cebu's premiere inter-school cage league.

Prior to scaling the pinnacle of success, the Lancers are faced with tremendous odds against the Cobras who are unbeaten in a dozen games going into the championship round. Southwestern U further expanded its hardcourt dominance by sweeping the first two games of the series for their fifth straight win over the Lancers and 14th overall this season.

To the surprise of many, the lion-hearted Lancers staged an amazing comeback perceived by some pundits as close to impossible and that is because they lived up to the true spirit of a Visayanian.

"I have never been prouder than this championship that they won because they have shown the UV spirit - when the Visayanian fight best when the odds are greatest," said Gullas in a press conference yesterday at the school's Foreign Lounge. "We are also thankful to God because if not for our prayers, we could not have achieved this."

UV team manager Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas, Jr. unequivocally admitted that he himself thought of throwing in the towel when the Lancers found themselves stuck in a deep 0-2 hole against a formidable squad replete with talents and handled by a decorated coach in Raul "Yayoy" D. Alcoseba.

"I would be lying If I say that I did not think of giving up on our chances after we were 0-2 down in the series," said Samsam Gullas. "But to be honest with you, that Game 3 victory gave us that strong feeling and confidence that we're the ones who will come out as champions and I'm glad we did."

Facing no tomorrow, the Lancers literally fought to their last breath in the regulation period and then labored hard in two overtimes to squeeze out a resounding 89-82 conquest of the Cobras in Game 3 to stay alive in the best-of-five title clash.

Inspired by that morale-boosting victory, the Lancers again fought with fire in their belly to pull off masterful repeat over the  Cobras, 71-66, and up the stage of a blockbuster Game 5.

Armed with the same vigor and iron will, the Lancers went on to fulfill their date with history following a gut-wrenching 64-62 triumph over the Cobras, 64-62, in the deciding match of their epic series to clinch their 10th CESAFI crown, ending a three-year title drought preceded by a record nine consecutive championships.

"I'm very happy that all the efforts and sacrifices of my players finally paid off. It's really heart-warming to note that they've been rewarded for the courage they have shown and the hardships they endured. All the trials we went through are nothing with this sweet success as our prize," said UV head coach Felix "Donbel" Belano, Jr.

In claiming the CESAFI championship, Belano and the Lancers have already achieved their short-term goal. They are now training their sights on their long-term goal and that is no other than to wrest the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) title this year.

It's a difficult challenge they have to deal with as they will go up against the best of the best in Phl collegiate basketball, but Belano is highly optimistic on their chances.

"As I've said, with God nothing is impossible. And based on what I've seen from my players, I'm confident on our chances in the PCCL cage wars," said Belano. "But we have to work hard for it most especially that we still have a lot of things to improve on."

As the Lancers relish this joyful episode of their CESAFI journey, their boss Eddie Gullas has some words of wisdom for them.

"It's natural that we feel happy and proud for being the champion, but you must stay humble. Above all things, always keep your feet on solid ground," said Eddiegul. "Secondly, do not forget your studies. You all need to be professionals someday because you will not be players your entire life." (FREEMAN)