UV Green Lancers players celebrate after their win against the USJ-R Jaguars. | By Glendale Rosal
CEBU CITY, Philippines— The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers prevailed over the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars, 88-62, in the battle of unbeaten teams in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) men’s basketball, on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the Cebu Coliseum.
The supposed duel between the league’s current top two teams turned into a lopsided affair in favor of the defending champions.
UV’s AJ Sacayan was red hot from the three point line, scoring 18 of his 30 points. Kent Ivo Salarda chipped in 16 markers, while Jimpaul Amistoso and King Harvey Orcullo combined for 14 points.
Elmer Echavez had 16 points in USJ-R’s defeat, while Karl Cabulao had 12 and Jake Engbino added 11 points.
EJ Agbong added eight points as USJ-R played without one of its top scorers Milo Janao who had to attend an important family affair according to the Jaguars’ coaching staff Edito Salacut.
“First of all, I want to thank God for giving us this win. I’m very satisfied sa dula sa akong team, sa gipakita sa akong mga players, na execute gyud namo ug tarong among game plan both offense and defense,” said Green Lancers head coach Gary Cortes.
“Amo pud na limit ang production ni Echavez, in every quarter pero wala mi nag expect ing-ato kadako among labaw kay lig-on sad gyud ang USJ-R. Mao nang ako gyud gi ingnan ang mga players to prepare themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually dili lang ani nga duwa ug sa mga sunod pa nga mga duwa.”
UV was already cruising smoothly in the game after erecting a 21-point lead 51-30, heading into halftime.
They then started the second half with back-to-back treys from Sacayan that ballooned the lead to 28-points, 61-33.
They went on to stretch their lead to 31 points, 69-38, and maintained it all the way to the final period and until the final sound of the buzzer.
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