Lancers clinch back-to-back titles in Coke PBA hoop

CEBU, Philippines - It’s a new back-to-back gimmick that the Lancers intend to defend. For the second straight year, Team Lancers won the Coca Cola PBA Youngstars Basketball Tournament 2013 after overcoming Team Warriors, 67-59, in come-from-behind fashion.

Facing a 16-point deficit in the second quarter at 39-23, the Lancers dug deep and banked on their championship experience to slowly but surely cut the deficit down and eventually steal control of the game in the second half.

After slicing the deficit to 12 at halftime, 42-30, the Lancers clamped down on defense and limited the Warriors to only three third quarter points, all from free throws, to take a 48-45 lead going into the fourth quarter.

The team was lifted by the halftime pep talk of UV team manager Samsam Gullas, who encouraged the boys to never give up and simply play their game.

The Lancers then opened the fourth period with a 7-0 bang to gain a 55-45 headway, but USC countered with their own 7-0 run to cloe the gap at 55-52. The Warriors further pulled within two, 57-55, but UV unleashed another seven-to-nothing blast for a 64-55 lead with 3:16 left.

The Warriors had one last reply with four straight points to close in at 64-59 with 2:48 left, but couldn’t follow through with their rally.

Orlan Wamar led the Lancers with 18 points, while Jun Manzo added 17. Carlo Ortega led the Warriors with 12.

In the consolation game for third place, Team Easternians defeated Team Greywolves, 70-50.

The Cebu champion will now face the champions from Bacolod and Iloilo in the Visayas Regional Finals, which will be held in Cebu on May 10-11 at the Capitol Parish Gym. The Cebu leg is one of 12 provincial tournaments in this annual summer league. The Visayas champion qualifies for the national finals slated May 19-26 in Manila. (PR) (FREEMAN)