University of the Visayas eyes clincher, USJ-R seeks lifeline

CEBU, Philippines — The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers go for title clincher while the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars seek a lifeline as they slug it out anew in Game 2 of their best-of-three collegiate division finals in the 18th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men’s basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum tonight.

The Green Lancers of coach Gary Cortes moved a win away from completing a rare grandslam feat after escaping past the hard-fighting Jaguars, 78-74, in the series opener last Thursday night.

Thanks to the pivotal 3-pointers of Rey Anthony Suerte and Jafet Claridad, the Lancers came out victorious in a close match that could have gone either way.

Though Suerte and Claridad shared the spotlight, UV’s sophomore forward Jancork Cabahug and Liberian import Bassieru Sackor also deserved a special mention.

When the Jaguars attemped to pull away with an 11-point lead in the first quarter, Cabahug dropped 12 of his 16 points in the first half to help the Lancers seize the upperhand at the break, 42-39.

Cabahug and Claridad’s stepping the scoring plate was very timely as Suerte, the very core of UV’s offensive system, hasn’t scored until nailing game-tying trey late in the second period, and ace playmaker Gileant Delator limped out of the court with a pulled hamstring with just five minutes gone by in the match.

Sackor, on the other hand, gamely held his ground against Segamars Ewenike, outclassing the bigger and taller USJ-R import on all facet of the game.

Sackor scattered 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. In stark contrast, Ewenike was held off to  a paltry six points although he pulled down 19 rebounds.

The Lancers have proven that even if the odds are against them, they could handle the situation well.

Delator played only in five minutes, Josue Segumpan was not in his usual form scoring only four points, while Suerte had an ice-cold start yet the Lancers still pulled it through.

For the Jaguars of coach Leode Garcia to extend the series into its full route, they must play consistent basketball all throughout the 40-minute spread. There’s no room for mistake for them.

In Game 1, the Jaguars got off to a short start sparked by the hot hands o Jaybie Mantilla but as soon as the reigning Seniors Most Valuable Player started to misfire his targets, they all broke down.

Except for Nicole Ubalde and Fletcher Galvez, the likes of RJ Dinolan, Juan Miguel Gastador and Tricky Dyn Peromingan must step up especially now that the Jaguars are facing no tomorrow. —EBV