Lucky nine for UV Lancers | The Freeman

CEBU, Philippines —  The defending champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers banked on an explosive third-quarter performance to subdue the upset-seeking University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, 75-67, and stretch their perfect start to 9-0 in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 23 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Thursday evening at the Cebu Coliseum.

Kent Ivo Salarda sparkled with 21 points, Ivan Carl Alsola chipped in 14 markers while Froilan Maglasang contributed 10 points for the Lancers, who moved a win shy from completing a 10-game sweep in the elimination round.

The Lancers, already assured of the top spot and a twice-to-beat in the Final Four, could achieve that rare feat if they tame the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers on Sunday, November 26.

Before vanquishing the Warriors, the Lancers had to shrug off a lukewarm start. They trailed by two at halftime, 34-36, but Salarda fired 13 points in a searing 27-12 run by the Lancers in the third period that towed them ahead by 13 points, 61-48, entering the last 10-minute mark of the contest.

It was cruise control for the Lancers from thereon.

James Gica produced a dazzling 29-point show but his offensive outburst went for naught as the Warriors bowed out of the semifinal race with a 5-5 card.

In the juniors level, the University of Cebu (UC) Baby Webmasters squandered a 13-point lead late in the game but hung on tough when it mattered most to pull off a 85-84 cliffhanger over the gritty Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons and breathe life to their Final Four chances.

Mikyle John Lejarde canned five 3-pointers of his 20 points, Johncel Borjal pumped in 17 markers, while Lourdonnie Cuyos and Lord Tinajora scored 24 points in between them as the Baby Webmasters grabbed the temporary fourth spot with a 7-3 win-loss record.

Now, the Baby Webmasters will hope and pray that the 6-3 University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers will lose to the 4-5 City of Bogo Science and Arts Academy (CBSAA) Trailblazers in their final elimination round assignment on Saturday, November 26.

Should this happen, the Baby Webmasters will clinch the fourth and last semifinal