The University of the Visayas Green Lancers begins their quest in the Collegiate Champions League (CCL) when they play wild card entry Lyceum of the Philippines at the San Juan Arena.
The game is set at 12 noon today.
If the Green Lancers win, they will play the University of Mindanao.
Originally, UV was to play the reigning UAAP champion De La Salle University after its first game, but for some unknown reasons, the latter has withdrawn from the tournament.
With La Salle’s withdrawal, the tournament has been transformed into a wide-open race for the championship. However, the depth of the teams that are still playing has not diminished a bit.
Still there’s San Beda, the reigning NCAA champion, FEU, UST, Ateneo, among others.
History favors the Lancers as they never lost an opening game since the CCL started in 2003 but eventually lost to the then James Yap-led University of the East Warriors.
Cebuano basketball aficionados are expecting much from the seven-time CESAFI college basketball champion especially with the De La Salle University’s withdrawal.
UV Coach Elmer “Boy” Cabahug is optimistic about his team’s chances this year particularly with a taller frontline that features 6’11” Fil-Am giant Gregory Fuentes Slaughter.
Cabahug added that the return from ACL injury of Ariel Mepaña could be a morale booster for the Lancers because of his experience and leadership.
The Green Lancers also have scorers like Michael Luga and Harlow Chad Villanil and the three-guard rotation in Von Harry Lanete, Christ Victor Diputado and Ritchum Dennison.
Cabahug also pointed out that they seem to have the advantage against Lyceum but he is not taking any chances. Asked by The Freeman about Lyceum’s trapping defense, Cabahug said that they have long prepared for it knowing that the defense has been a trademark ploy of Lyceum.
Coach Cabahug owns the winningest record in CESAFI with an accumulated 81-5 win-loss card. The CCL, however, is a different ballgame and Cabahug knows that.
Last year, the Sam Ekwe led San Beda College spoiled UV’s hope for a CCL title.