UV Lancers shock Tribu Sugbu in Consolacion

The younger but taller CESAFI five-time basketball champion University of the Visayas Green Lancers showed the stuff true champions are made of as they humbled the more experienced Sirlitz-backed Skygo/Tribu Sugbu, 72-69, in a well-attended goodwill game on Wednedsay night at the Consolacion Sports Complex.

Tribu Sugbu seeks no less than vengeance when it meets the UV Lancers anew at 7 pm today at the Lapu-Lapu City multi-purpose hardcourt.

The free-wheeling exhibition game nonetheless delighted the Consolacion cage fans because neither team could pull away by as much as six points.

Jayford Rodriguez gave the Lancers a 70-69 edge with 1:22 to go in the game and later, Tribu Sugbu coach Al Solis sued for time to plot one good offensive sequence.

Racing against time, Tribu Sugbu still has the chance to win because Tioy Almacin, who was named as the NBC Most Improved Player just last Monday, was fouled at the three-point area. The referees, however, ruled out it was not a clear attempt.

Still, winning was possible for Tribu Sugbu, but Jun Cabanes missed an ill-advised attempt in the closing seconds of the game. In the return play, 6-foot-7 giant Rino Berami coverted pressure-packed free throws in the final 11 seconds of the contest to secure UV's victory.

It was timely baskets for Berami as CESAFI MVP Mark Ababon earlier missed two free throws that could have cost the Lancers the game.

Berami finished with eight points for UV, while Rodriguez topped with 10 points.

The last time Tribu Sugbu was in front was at 69-68 on a triple by veteran guard Alex Cainglet at the final 2:38 mark.

Harumi players Wilson Gabucan and Bryan Delantar suited up as reinforcement for Tribu Sugbu. Gabucan scored two points, while Delantar got nil.

Marvin Mercado led Tribu Sugbu with 14 points, while Bernie Ursal finished with 10 markers.

The scores

UV (72) - Rodriguez 10, Berami 8, Lañete 7, Akad 7, Santos 7, Ababon 7, Mepaña 7, Arda 6, Esperat 6, Abelong 3, Sevilla 2, Calo 2

Tribu-Harumi (69) - Mercado 14, Ursal 10, Cainglet 8, Bucao 7, Almacin 7, Ferraren 6, Mangubat 4, Cabanes 4, Pening 3, Paglinawan 2, Huelar 2, Gabucan 2

Quarterscores: 17-18; 36-38; 54-55; 72-69