UV Lancers take another shot at history in PCCL

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) grandslam champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers take another shot at history as they battle the UAAP kingpins Ateneo Blue Eagles in the Natonal Finals of the 2018 Philippine Collegiate Championships League (PCCL) today at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan, Metro Manila.

The knockout championship match is set at 4 pm.

For the second time, the Lancers are training their sights on becoming the first ever provincial team to win the prestigious tournament featuring the country’s best collegiate ballclubs.

UV first made it to the finals in 2007 but was denied of crowning glory by Ateneo, 54-71.

Now they have a chance to avenge that stinging defeat but it would be a tall order for the Lancers as they collide with a powerhouse squad that are in full force.

The Lancers are up for the challenge though.

“We will do our very best to give them a good fight,” sad UV head coach Gary Cortes.

The Lancers will parade the same lineup that completed a rare three-peat in the CESAFI last season.

Led by Liberian import Bassieru Sacklor and two-time MVP Rey Anthony Suerte, the Lancers can also count on the likes of Josue Segumpan, Jancork Cabahug, Ted Saga, Melvin Butohan, Gileant Delator, Michael Maestre, Jimpaul Amistoso, Japeth Claridad and comebacking guard Sheldon Gahi.

With a relatively smaller and shorter lineup, the Lancers should make the most out their outside shooting as they attempt to slay the Ateneo goliaths led by UAAP Rookie of the Year Ange Kouame.

Aside from Kouame, the Blue Eagles also have All-Star guard Thirdy Ravena as well as Adrian Wong, BJ Andrade and the Nieto twins Mike and Matt at their disposal as they bid for their fourth PCCL crown.

All of them are expected to make life difficult for the Lancers in their sudden-death title showdown. (FREEMAN)