Lancers hand Cheetahs first loss

CEBU, Philippines —  The University of the Visayas Green Lancers handed the Benedicto College its first loss but the two-time defending champions had to dig deep at the endgame before fending off the gritty Cheetahs, 71-68, in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 24 basketball tournament on Thursday, November 7, at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Lancers had a tepid start resulting to an early 12-14 deficit, but banked on a 30-19 explosion in the second period to seize a 42-33 lead at halftime.

UV went on to establish a double-digit edge, 69-59, midway in the final stretch and subsequently survived a fierce fightback by the Cheetahs in the closing minutes to escape with a three-point win.

On a night when reigning MVP Kent Ivo Salarda was held off to a season-low two points, Raul Gentallan picked up the slack to pace UV with 20 points, three rebounds and as many assists.

Froiland Maglasang had a breakout performance of 17 points, while Ivan Clark Alsola added 15 points on a spectacular 7-of-9 shooting from the field as the Lancers moved to solo second place in college division standings with a 6-1 record.

Junil Bulan finished with 15 points and seven rebounds, while Denrick Orgong tallied 11 markers with three rebounds and three assists but their efforts went down the drain as the Cheetahs saw their four-game winning roll come to a red stop.

It was another double victory for UV as in high school play, the Baby Lancers obliterated the Don Bosco Technical College (DBTC)-Cebu Greywolves, 127-70.

Roderick Cambarijan, Jr. sizzled with 23 points and seven rebounds while Christophelcian Abellana banged in 21 points to fuel the Baby Lancers  merciless 57-point demolition of the hapless Greywolves.

John Nathan de la Torre nearly came up with a historic quadruple-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and eight steals, while Jhunnel Dagatan contributed 12 points, four boards and three dimes as the Baby Lancers bolstered their Final Four chances with a 6-2 slate.

Carmelson Paul Abangan bagged 18 points and seven rebounds, Angelo de la Cruz scored 15, while Jasheed Cyril Ybarra netted 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals but to no avail as the Greywolves suffered their sixth loss in eight games.