Bayugan tourney a great learning experience for the UV Lancers

The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers may have failed in their title bid but still felt like a winner having acquired a wealth of experience from their participation in the cash-rich Mayor Kirk Asis Open Invitational Basketball Tournament 2024  at the Lope Asis Memorial Gymnasium in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

Sponsored by Bustamante Construction, the Lancers opened their campaign with a decisive 80-68 victory over the Vincare Pharma-University Perpetual Help Altas, but crashed out of title contention after suffering three consecutive losses to Ariano’s Construction-Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals, ARQ Builders-Adamson University Soaring Falcons, and  Wengburs Apartelle and Ella Store-San Beda University Red Lions.

In their rematch, the Lancers again bowed at the hands of the Generals, 69-80, to settle for just fourth place in a five-team tilt.

Nevertheless, it was mission accomplished for the Green Lancers as they did not only gain much needed exposure but also measured their skills level going up against the tough Manila teams.

“Dako gyud kaayo og tabang ang pag-apil namo ani nga tournament dire sa Bayugan kay nakita namo ang whole view sa team,” said Cortes, who piloted the Lancers to five championships in seven straight finals appearances in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc (CESAFI) since he took over UV’ coaching reins in 2015.

“Amo nasukod asa mi nga level sa basketball ilabi na sa panahon nga mapilde mi kay dinhi namo mahibal-an ang among weaknesses nga angay i-improve,” Cortes added.

The Lancers joined the three-day cage wars in Bayugan as part of rigid preparations for the upcoming CESAFI Season 24 wherein they are gunning for another three-peat, which they last achieved from 2016 to 2018.