CEBU, Philippines — Mission accomplished for the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers.
Breathing fire from the start until the end, the Lancers representing Central Visayas dominated host Bicol Region with authority, 97-71, in their lopsided final match to emerge as college basketball champions of the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games 2024 on Friday, July 26, at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legaspi City, Albay.
AJ Sacayan and Ivan Alsola figured prominently as the Lancers, under the guidance of “Best Coach” awardee Gary Cortes, ended their six-year title drought in the PRISAA.
The last time they ruled the tournament was way back in 2018.
The sharpshooting Sacayan was honored as the Most Valuable Player. He was joined in the elite Mythical Five by Alsola.
The title glory was a huge confidence-booster for the Lancers as they seek a three-peat in the upcoming Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 24 set to kick off on September 21 at the Cebu Coliseum.
In was not all jubilation though for Central Visayas as in the high school division, the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles bowed to the Negros Island Region in overtime, 83-85, in their thrilling gold-medal match at the Sagrada Familia covered court.