Lancers, Webmaters battle for all the marbles

CEBU, Philippines —  Expect a dogfight as the defending champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers and the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters go all out in do-or-die duel for the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 23 college basketball crown today at the Cebu Coliseum.

The deciding match of the best-of-three finals tips off at 5:15 p.m.

UC drew first blood via a 66-63 upset of the previously undefeated UV in the opener, but the Lancers lived and fight for another day with a 53-41 drubbing of the Webmasters in Game 2 last Thursday.

Now that the series has been reduced to a single game, it will surely boil down as to who is the hungrier and more determined team.

Both coaches admit that.

“It’s a battle royale in Game 3. I expect UC to be more aggressive on defense because during our previous game, we were able to shut down their shooters,” said Gary Cortes, who is eyeing for his fifth crown in seven straight finals appearances since taking over as Lancers coach in 2015. “We will just play hard and show the spirit of champions.”

For UC bench tactician Kernn Sesante, they have to make a lot adjustments for them to accomplish their goal of ending their 12-year title dought. The Webmasters last reigned supreme in 2011 behind the leadership of June Mar Fajardo who is now a PBA superstar with a record seven MVP awards tucked under his belt.

“On our end, we have to control the boards and take care of the ball,” said Sesante, who is gunning for a championship trophy in just his second year as the Webmasters’ chief strategist. “Who will win Game 3 is definitely the hungrier team.” – EBV