UV Lancers make it 3-0 but their secondary counterparts go home early in PBFI hoopfest

The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers bested the Manuel Luis Quezon University (MLQU) Stallions, 73-64, to remain unbeaten in three games in the Philippine Basketball Federation, Inc. (PBFI)-organized National Students Championship yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

Their secondary counterparts, however, were not as lucky as the Baby Lancers were kicked out of the tournament after absorbing their second straight loss via a close 66-75 decision to NCAA losing finalist San Beda Red Cubs.

It was the shortest stint by coach Delfin "Jun" Jun Pepito in so many national tournaments the Baby Lancers joined in the past with him calling the shots.

Thus, UV's hope to rekindle its glory days at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum now solely rest on the Green Lancers' shoulders.

A trip to the final is not a remote chance for the Lancers, who will play in a prestige match against the Arwind Santos-led UAAP champion Far Eastern University Tamaraws tomorrow, with the winner getting the top spot and a sure semifinal slot.

Unlike in their past two games where they averaged a 50-point winning margin over Naga City's University of Nueva Caceres and University of Zamboanga, the Green Lancer founds the Stallions a tough costumer to handle, winning only by a slim nine-point cushion.

Mark Ababon delivered when his presence mattered most to lead the Lancers with 18 points as the reigning CESAFI MVP proved to be slippery for the Stallions to go after.

With centers Rino Berame and Ariel Mepaña combining for 21 points, outside sniping was also very effective for the Lancers with Jezar Esperat scoring 12 points and Gaylord Santos firing in 11.

After three days, Jayford Rodriguez has yet to show his best as he just scored six yesterday.

Eulogio Lasala Jr. suffered a sudden offensive meltdown contributing only a matchstick, but it did not matter as coach Elmer "Boy" Cabahug intentionally give him enough time to rest after toiling hard in their past two games.

The scores
UV (73) - Ababon 18, Esperat 12, Santos 11, Berami 11,Mepaña 10, Akad 6, Rodriguez 4, Lasala 1
MLQU (64) - Lustestica 17, Lariosa 13, Vitug 10, Custodio 7, Rosario 7, Mendoza 4, Dizon 3, Taolas 2, Balanay 2