The University of the Visayas Green Lancers pose for a group photo after their masterful win in Game 1 of the best of three finals series of the Cesafi men’s basketball tournament on Sunday, Dec. 11 at the Cebu Coliseum. | Glendale G. Rosal
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers are just a win away from hoisting the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) men’s basketball trophy after routing the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters, 90-62, in Game 1 of their Best-of-Three finals series on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, at the Cebu Coliseum.
The Green Lancers showed their winning intent by pummeling the Webmasters on all fronts. They led by as much as 31 points in the final period, 88-57, en route to clinching the huge victory in Game 1.
UV coach confident of winning title
For UV’s head coach Gary Cortes, he is confident enough for his team to sweep the series on Tuesday, Dec. 13, in Game 2, if they showcase the same spectacular performance they had in this game.
“For sure UC will make adjustments, especially in finding ways to break free from our trapping defense which was our key to winning this game,” said Cortes who is eyeing a third Cesafi title.
“But we will also make the necessary adjustments to counter their plans. If the players play this way on Tuesday, then I’m confident we will win the title,” he said.
Despite the blowout loss, UC put up a good fight as they initially led the first period, 9-8, but UV quickly retaliated with a 16-9 swing to grab the lead, 25-18.
UV didn’t look back throughout the game as they maintained a huge lead. They entered the second half with a double digit lead, 48-34, which was the closest UC was able to get at them.
UV’s team captain, Ted Saga, impressively poured 13 points in the fourth period which helped UV to stretch its lead to 32 points, 82-55, with 2:56 remaining.
UV second stringers take charge
Cortes then rested his first five and sent his second stringers to take care of the remaining minutes of the game.
Jiesel Tarrosa dropped another stellar performance after tallying 21 points to lead UV. He surpassed his game on Saturday against the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars where he tallied 20 points.
Saga finished 15 points, 13 of which were all logged in the final period, while Zylle Cabellon added 11.
Paul Galinato and Michael Diaz each scored 10 for UC’s losing efforts.
Game 2 is on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, at 6:45 PM.
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