The University of the Visayas Green Lancers remained winless in the 79th Araw ng Dabaw Commercial Basketball Invitational Tournament after they were blown out by the defending champions Goldstar Hardware, 71-85, on Friday night at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center in Davao City.
The Green Lancers of head coach Gary Cortes continue to experience growing pains in their build-up for the Cesafi season later this year as they fell behind, 14-30, after the first canto and were never able to find their bearings to lose for the third time in as many games in this annual competition.
Ironically, it was Cebuano Jojo Tangkay that set the tone early as he combined with another former pro, Marlon Basco and Stephen Collado to build the early lead. It eventually ballooned to 56-27 at halftime and Goldstar cruised to the victory not long after.
Steve Akomo, the Green Lancers’ former import, came back to haunt his former squad as he scored 14 points. Last year’s tournament MVP, Leomar Losentes, added 11 while Basco and Tangkay each finished with 10 markers.
One-time RP Youth Team member Leonard Santillan led the Green Lancers in scoring with 23. UV was taking on Montana Pawnshop for third place honors as of press time. Montana was relegated to playing in the third place game after they lost to the La Salle Green Archers, 77-85, in the main game also on Friday.
Former Southwestern University import Ben Mbala continued to show off his scoring prowess as he had 23 points before fouling out. Big man John Gob added 13, Jollo Go pitched in 11 while Thomas Torres and Jeron Teng contributed 10 each to help the Archers grab their third win in a row.
Montana and Goldstar finished with identical 2-1 win-loss records but Goldstar advanced to the finals after winning over the former in their elimination round match.