UV Lancers stun UAAP champ La Salle in Sibugay caging

MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers are not Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) champions for nothing.

The ARQ Builders-backed UV Lancers saw their 17-point lead in the third quarter evaporate but showed great willpower when the game was on the line to pull off a stunning 83-79 upset of reigning UAAP champions La Salle Green Archers in the 2nd Gov. Ann K. Hofer-23rd Araw ng Sibugay Invitational Basketball Tournament late Thursday night (February 15) at the jampacked Capitol Sports Complex in Zamboanga Sibugay.

“It’s an overwhelming feeling beating the UAAP champ and crowd-favorite La Salle. It’s a rare chance honestly,” said Gary Cortes, who piloted the Lancers to five CESAFI crowns in seven straight finals appearances since taking the reins as UV’s head coach in 2015.

“The players just followed our game plan and are much hungrier for the win. Morale-booster na pud ni para sa team ug sa mga players nga pwede gyud diay ta modaug bisa’g underdog and undersized,” Cortes continued.

After a close battle in the early goings, the Lancers came out firing in the middle quarters to surge ahead by a comfortable margin, 61-44, with 3:50 left in the third period.

La Salle, still a formidable force without their main man Kevin Quiambao, whipped up a fierce counter-attack to pull within just a hairline at 73-74 with four minutes left in the contest.

But the Visayanians played cool under heavy fire, with Zylle Cabellon and Ted Saga dropping two consecutive bombs from beyond the arc that gave the Lancers an 80-73 breather in the final 1:54 mark.

The Green Archers threatened for the last time at 77-80 with only 37 seconds remaining but Cabellon steadied UV’s ship by sinking crucial free throws that carried the Lancers to a nervy finish.

 Cabellon sparkled with 20 points on top of three steals and an assist to emerge as best player of the game.

“Gusto modaog ang tanang teams nga niapil aning ligaha. Siyempre mas nangamdam lang mi kay dili basta-basta ang among makontra. Maong amo gyud gipaningkamotan nga modaog mi ug salamat sa Ginoo kay iya gidungog ang among pag-ampo,” said Cabellon.

“Tanan gipang-estorya ni coach (Cortes) amo gyud gipaminaw ug among gi-apply sa duwa maong nakab-ot namo ang kadaugan,” Cabellon added.

2023 CESAFI MVP Kent Ivo Salarda chipped in 11 markers, Raul Gentallan scored 10, while Jimpaul Amistoso, Jiesel Tarossa, and Froiland Maglasang contributed eight points each underscoring the Lancers’ balanced attack.