THE UNIVERSITY of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers fought hard but ultimately fell to the Ozamis Cotta in the championship game of the 6th Mayor Danilo A. Lagbas Basketball Cup 2016 on Sunday evening in Kinoguitan, Misamis Oriental.
The Green Lancers, runners-up of the Cesafi last year, continued on their massive build-up towards this year’s collegiate wars as they went toe to toe against an Ozamis squad that was backstopped by several Cebuano stalwarts.
These included former Southwestern University champion guard Junrey Ortuyo, former University of Cebu big man Christian Rez, ex-PBA stalwart Marlon Basco, and former University of San Jose-Recoletos standouts Lyndon Gudez and Popoy Suliman.
The game, though, was tied for the last time at 76-all when Gudez shattered it with a bucket before former UV wingman Gayford Rodriguez sealed the victory with a free-throw.
Gudez led the way for Ozamis with 18 while Rodriguez and Basco pitched in 14 and 12, respectively. The champion squad brought home the cash prize of P50,000 while UV settled for P30,000.
Former Philippine Youth Team member Leonard Santillan had 20 for the Green Lancers while Rey Suerte scored 15.
Incoming rookie guard Sheldon Gahi also contributed 12.
In spite of the loss, UV assistant coach Van Halen Parmis is satisfied with how his wards are communicating both on and off the floor.
“Mas nice karon na lineup kay sa last year kay grabe ang bonding sa mga players,” said Parmis, a celebrated head coach in the commercial ranks with nearly a hundred titles across his name.
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