THE University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers captured yet another championship after they routed the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats, 94-79, in their title match of the 1st Barangay Tabunok Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament on Friday night at the Tabunok Sports Complex in Talisay City.
The Lancers actually had its back against the wall early on as they faced a 16-27 deficit.
However, after trimming the deficit to two, 44-46, at halftime, UV surged ahead, 71-67, heading to the fourth canto to hack out the victory and claim the crown.
Rey “The Flying Carpet” Suerte was as sharp as he could be, scoring 25 points to lead the victorious Lancers. One-time RP Youth Team member Leonard Santillan added 19 while Josue Segumpan and Jun Manzo added 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
New recruit James Ferraren carried the Wildcats’ fight with 26 points even as Joshua dela Cerna added 22.
Meanwhile in the battle for third, the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters continued to make waves in their build-up for the Cesafi season as they thwarted the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, 89-73.
Geleant Delator torched USC’s defense for 19 points while McJoven Tagudin chipped in 16. Jan Jabello scored 13, JR Puerto pitched in 12 while Daniel Mayol contributed 10 in a balanced show of offensive firepower by the Webmasters who have been steadily improving under the leadership of new head coach and former UC ace, Kern Sesante.
Kevin Oleodo was the lone bright spot for USC with 23 points.