In the women's division, defending champion University of Cebu Lady Webmasters made an impressive start by scoring an 84-59 rout of the University of San Jose Recoletos Lady Jaguars.
Now with 60 wins as against a single loss in five years, the best is yet to come for the Lancers when they set a hardcourt date against the University of Cebu Webmasters on Sunday.
To recall, it was only the Webmasters who defeated the Lancers in their five-year CESAFI dominance via a 75-68 decision last September 22, 2005.
The first quarter looked like a warm up for the Lancers but at the end of the second period, the Lancers started to rip the game wide open, ending the half with a 60-48 spread.
Using a very effective half court trapping defense, the Lancers seemed slippery as they toyed with the Wildcats who had more misses than conversions.
Four Lancers finished in double figures with Morsie Akad topping the offense with 17 points even as Jayford Rodriguez and Ritchum Dennison had 16 points each.
Von Harry Lanete finished with 12 points.
The Wildcats had also four players scoring in double figures led by Ramel Guevarra with 25.
Earlier, Allana Lim dominated the paint and led the Lady Webmasters with 17 points while Ma. Melrose Piloyo and Ma. Lun Nicolas had 16 points apiece.
Maricel Fernandez and Clarissa Lanuza also chipped in with 12 points each while Annabel Nieves had 11 points.
The Lady Jaguars were led by Joannah Malinao with 13 points and Sheila Dagatan had 11. Marie Kris Chiong added 10 points for the losing Lady Jaguars.
The scores
First Game:
(Women's)
UC (84) - Lim 17, Piloto 16, Nicolas 16, Lanuza 12, Fernandez 12, Nieves 11, Belonguel 9, Lanik 5, Manaug 2
USJR (59) - Malinao 13, Dagatan 11, Chiong 10, Gasal 4, Vallar 4, Trazona 4, Aclaan 2, Donayre 1
Second Game:
(Collegiate)
UV (120) - Akad 17, Rodriguez 16, Dennison 16, Lanete 12, Esperat 8, Canoy 8, Manigque 8, Diputado 7, Sendrijas 6 Lasala 3, Omolon 2, Arda 2
CIT (94) - Guevarra 25, Abobo 17, Reyes RJ 15, Aniñon 12, Abapo 9, Lumongsod 6, Montealto 6, Regis 2, Molero 1, Villarba 1