Lancers outlast Jaguars in OT

CEBU, Philippines - The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers disposed the feisty University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR) Jaguars, 83-79, in overtime to book their first win in the Cebu City Mayor’s Cup Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament last night at the Cebu Coliseum.

John Abad led all scorers with 24 points, while Leonard Santillan inked 13 points and Alwyn Aguirre adding eight markers for the Green Lancers who successfully recovered after their heartbreaking loss against University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, 65-70, last Friday.

It was not a walk in the park for the Green Lancers as the Jaguars showed determination to get a win after losing in their opening game against San Beda Red Lions.

The Jaguars was cruising in the first half, opening a 41-28 advantage from the effort of Cameroonian Emmanuel Ojuola and Iron Suano.

But the defending Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc (CESAFI) champion Lancers, rallied in the earlier part of the second half as Santillan drained his trey to tie the game to 55-all in the 1:29 mark of the third.

It was a see-saw battle from then on but Abad gave UV a point lead, 75-74 with less than a minute left in the game.

Lancers even got the chance to seal the game after Jaguars missed their shot, but Aguirre committed a crucial turn-over which resulted into a conversion of free-throw from Mart Mutya that tied the game in the dying second of the fourth period.

Alfred Codilla tried to win the game for UV but failed to sink a half-court heave resulting into overtime.

The Lancers made sure to win the game with solid plays in the overtime as they outscored USJ-R, 9-3.  Codilla’s charities in the remaining seconds sealed the win for the Lancers who will face San Beda tonight.

Raymond Catipay paced Jaguars with 18 points, followed by Mutya and Suano with 13 and 12 points respectively.  (FREEMAN)