Lancers finally score one against Warriors

CEBU, Philippines – Rookie coach and former champion player Gary Cortes gave the University of the Visayas Green Lancers a huge win they can be proud of after they outlasted the University of San Carlos Warriors, 63-60, to settle for third place in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) National Championships yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The victory, the first in two games for UV under the tutelage of Cortes, was not only

a sweet revenge for the Lancers, who lost to the Warriors, 74-78, during the PCCL Elite Eight Series two weeks ago at the Cebu Copliseum, as it also served as a fitting birthday present to their team manager, Cebu First District Rep. Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas, Jr.

John Michael Abad topscored with 19 points for the Lancers, who took home P250,000 in  scholarship fund and sports equipment. Abad finished the job started by Francisco Arong, who churned out 13 points in the first half.

Leading by only three points, 61-58, Abad scored on a crucial lay-up to give the

Lancers a 63-56 breather with only 38.4 seconds left in the contest.

The Lancers feat was even made more special as it was their first ever win over the Warriors in at least five meetings, three of which in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation  (CESAFI), this year.

Though not active on the offensive end, UV's Nigerian mainstay Steve Cedrick Akomo was  a huge factor defensively, accounting for four of the Lancers seven blockshots.

The Warriors failed to exploit the presence of imports Shooster Olago and Espoir

Toyambi, who failed to find their rhythm even as Olago had 10 points in the first half.

As fourth placer, the Warriors took home P100,000.

The prizes and trophies were handed to the Lancers and the Warriors by PCCL chairman  Rey Gamboa and tournament director Joe Lipa, a former national team coach. (FREEMAN)