CEBU, Philippines - The University of the Visayas Green Lancers kick-started their title campaign on a bright note, but fellow Cebu squad University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars plunged on the brink of elimination after dropping two straight games in the 1st Mayor Kim Lope A. Asis Inter-Collegiate Invitational Basketball Tournament at the Lope Asis Memorial Sports Complex in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
The Lancers of coach Gary Cortes had little trouble in a 76-65 triumph over the Holy Trinity College Wildcats of General Santos City, but the Jun Noel-mentored Jaguars stumbled before heavyweight foes from Manila in succession.
After being scalped by reigning UAAP champions Far Eastern University Tamaraws on opening day, 53-68, the Jaguars sufferred another 94-76 humiliation at the hands of San Beda Red Lions Team B yesterday.
Luckily for the Lancers, they have yet to face acid tests against San Beda as of this writing last night and opposite FEU at 11 a.m. today.
Before taking on the tough Manila contenders, the Lancers got some sort of a morale-booster with their 11-point beating of HTC's Wildcats.
Flashy wingman Rey Suerte pumped in 14 of his 18 points in the final half, while Tristan Albina and Sheldon Gahi chipped in 11 and 10 markers, respectively for the Lancers who were in complete control after breezing though a 34-27 lead at halftime.
Over half a million pesos in cash prize is at stake for the winners of what is touted as the biggest inter-collegiate tiff in southern Philippines in recent years.
On top of trophies, the champion will pocket P200,000, while the runner-up will take home a P150,000 paycheck. The third to fifth will receive P100,000, P75,000 and P50,000, respectively. EBV (FREEMAN)