UV hands UC first loss in Cesafi Partners Cup hoop

Games today:

Cebu Coliseum

4 p.m. – Gaisano Capital vs. Winner Beef Loaf

5:30 p.m. – Ave Maria vs. Rose Aquarius

THE LION Tiger Aerosols-University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers gained some measure of revenge against the Gaisano Capital-University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters after they handed the latter their first loss in the 5th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) Partner’s Cup with a 75-70 decision on Thursday night at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Webmasters, reigning champions of the Cesafi after toppling the Green Lancers’ nine-year dynasty last year, has had UV’s number for some time now, dating back to the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) and in the first round of the Partners Cup.

All that changed Thursday night as the Green Lancers found their groove back, thanks to the clutch play of their veterans, namely, Edrian Lao, Harold Cincoflores and Phil Mercader.

Lao led the way for Lion Tiger with 18 points as UV improved to 8-2 (win-loss). Gaisano Capital fell to 7-1.

Early on, UV appeared hungry to get back at the Webmasters as it led, 22-9, after the first period and remained on top, 36-28, at halftime.

They still maintained their edge, 52-46, heading to the final canto until one possession seemingly changed the complexion of the match in the fourth period.

UV was ahead, 59-57, when UC’s 6-foot-10 Junemar Fajardo completed a layup while Lancer center Edrian Lao was called for an unsportsmanlike foul.

Fajardo completed the three-point play and the Webmasters retained possession because of Lao’s infraction.

Later, Roger Pogoy was fouled and was sent to the free-throw line where he made the first and missed the second. Fortunately, Fajardo was there to grab the offensive rebound and get the putback, giving the Webmasters six points on one trip, putting them on top, 62-57.

The Lancers, though, did not panic and got eight straight points from Lao to tie the game up at 65-all. After a basket by Roger Caytuna put UC up, 67-65, Cincoflores once again knotted the count at 67-all with two free-throws. Phil Mercader then made a basket that gave the lead back to UV with 53.4 seconds left. Lao sealed the outcome with a banked-in jumper from the top of the key with just 24.4 ticks remaining.

Robinson Mohamad paced the Webmasters with 18 while Pogoy and Fajardo submitted 11 markers apiece. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio