Lancers score repeat over Tribu Sugbu, 68-66

The University of the Visayas Green Lancers scored a victory anew over the Sirlitz-backed Skygo-Tribu Sugbu, 68-66, in an exhibition game over the weekend at the Lapu-Lapu City hardcourt.

The Lancers, who also drubbed drubbed Tribu Sugbu, 72-69, in Consolacion, erected a 10-point lead, 39-29, at the start of the third period but they lost it when the Tribes unleashed a deafening, 18-7, run paving the way for the dethroned NBC champion to grab the lead, 47-46, after a basket by Chris Ferraren, 2:10 left in the third canto.

Also backed by Harumi International, Tribu Sugbu then never allowed the Lancers to pull away as they tried to put the game under their control.

However, Tribu Sugbu found it difficult to defend the triple towers of the Lancers especially that rookie Eduardo Arda was active in his offense, scoring 10 points.

The Lancers played without topgunner Jayford Rodriguez, flashy guard Kim Calo and pivotman Ariel Mepaña and it was Morsie Akad, who topscored with 15 points while Jaysar Esperat finished with 12 points.

At the camp of Tribu Sugbu, Bernie Ursal was also missing as he went home early to Bogo for the All Saints Day and coach Al Solis had to thank Russ Neil Paglinawan for showing his efforts in leading the team's offense with 14 points.

Rex Mangubat, the star from Lapulapu City, finished with 11 points. It was CESAFI reigning MVP Mark Ababon, who gave the Lancers a 68-66 lead by converting his two charities in the final 9.9 of the ballgame.

Tribu Sugbu had the chance to grab the game with the last ball possession but Ronaldo Bucao missed the final attempt as he went 0-2 against their collegiate rivals, who never lost a CESAFI finals for the straight five years under coach Elmer "Boy" Cabahug. The scores UV (68) - Akad 15, Esperat 12, Arda 10, Ababon 9, Lanete 6, Berame 5, Abelong 4, sevilla 4, Santos 2, Dennison 1 Skygo-Tribu Sugbu (66) - Paglinawan 14, Mangubat 11, Cainglet 9, Bucao 9, Almacin 9, Ferraren 6, Cabanes 5, Pening 2, Mercado 1. Quarterscores: 19-14; 37-29; 51-37; 68-66