THE University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers bowed out of the 9th Araw ng Dabaw Commercial Basketball Invitational Tournament without tasting a single victory after they were beaten by Montaña Pawnshop, 75-87, in their battle-for-third place on Saturday night at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center in Davao City.
Unlike their last game where they got blown out from the get-go, the Lancers stayed within striking distance until the third period before Montaña uncorked a 28-19 blast to erect a 69-57 lead.
One-time RP Youth Team member Leonard Santillan shot the lights out in the first half where he scored 18 of his 28 points to keep UV within two, 39-41. But the third proved to be the Lancers’ Waterloo as Glenn Manlangit and former University of San Carlos import Shooster Olago scored nine apiece to push Montaña ahead and eventually out of reach.
Olago, the reigning Cesafi MVP, finished with 31 points to lead Montaña while former M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala standout Ferdinand Lusdoc added 10.
Meanwhile, the La Salle Green Archers showcased their fine form as they blew out the defending champions Goldstar Hardware, 80-61, to capture the championship.
Ex-Southwestern University import Ben Mbala played like a man possessed and unleashed his full offensive repertoire to end up with a game-high 38 markers.
The Green Archers started slow and led, 18-13, after the first canto. Later, an undergoal stab by rookie big man John Gob and a triple by Thomas Torres put La Salle ahead, 38-26, at halftime.
La Salle kept it going in the third as a Torres lay-in and a three-pointer by Andrei Caracut pushed the lead to 15, 55-40.
Though Goldstar tried to rally in the final frame, La Salle had a ready answer to come away with the victory.