Photo courtesy of Cesafi Media Bureau
14 November 2019
CEBU CITY—With their backs against the wall, the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers showed what many-time champion is made of as they bucked outright elimination after they plastered the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters, 81-62, in the semifinal round of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) men’s basketball tournament last Thursday, November 14, at the Cebu Coliseum.
The Green Lancers, thus, forced a do-or-die match, which will be played on Saturday with the winner moving to the championship round opposite early finalists Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras.
Facing a twice-to-win disadvantage, UV banked on a stifling defense and inspired game by rookie playmaker Gabriel Cometa and Jancork Cabahug in keeping title-retention bid alive.
The three-time defending champions started slow and allowed the Cobras to build an early 15-6 lead.
Cometa helped UV prevent things from getting out of hand as he unloaded seven of his 16 points in a crucial run that enabled the Green Lancers to steal the lead at the half, 36-29.
Cometa and Cabahug then teamed up in an 11-1 assault that put the Cobras in deep trouble after the Green Lancers mounted a 65-49 lead entering the final period.
Cabahug wound up with 17 points and 10 rebounds, Lass Coulibally contributed 14 points and 16 rebounds, while Sheldon Gahi donated 11.
John Jabello led UC with 15 markers, while Rodel Gravera and Menina scored 12 apiece.
UC’s import Tosh Sesay was held down to only seven points.
In the high school division, the Sacred Heart School (SHS)-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles downed the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers, 48-41, to book a championship ticket.
The Magis Eagles will contend for the crown against the winner of the do-or-die match between the defending champions UC Baby Webmasters and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Baby Panthers.
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