UV Lancers go for jugular
The University of the Visayas Green Lancers shoot for a three-game sweep but must brace for a fightback from defending champions University of San Carlos Warriors as they clash in Game 3 of the best-of-five 16th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. coll
Game time is set at 5 p.m. Armed with a commanding 2-0 lead, the Lancers need only a victory to clinch their first title in three years. Then coached by Felix 'Donbel' Belano Jr., they last won their crown in 2013.
Though already in the threshold fo crowning glory, UV coach Gary Cortes downplays their chances of pulling off another repeat performance over the Warriors.
"Of course we are going for the win but we have to work hard for it. We must prepare because I know the Warriors will surely fight back. We take the series one game at a time and it's no easy task for us," said Cortes.
His USC counterpart Rommel Rasmo said they really have been outplayed by the Lancers in the past two games but he hopes to make the necessary adjustments as they try to extend the series.
"In games one and two, UV outplayed us in both aspects of the game. As for Game 3, we will do some adjustments and make it sure that we will play our game in order for us to extend the series," said Rasmo, the same bench strategist who guided the sacred Heart School Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles to a historic four-peat in the juniors division.
For the Warriors to live and fight for another day, import Scoty Ntumba and local players Ian Tagapan, Victor Rabat, Kevin Oleodo, Conrad Catapusan, Clint Muñez, Malcolm Tan, Jules Langres, Lucky Ecarma and Gio Laguyo must step up.
It's a tedious task for them though taking on the Lancers, who boast of a more solid lineup.
With Liberian import Bassieru Sackor in tow, the Lancers can rely on the awesome foursome of Josue Segumpan, Rey suerte, Alfred Codilla and Tristan Albina. They can also pin their hopes on Jerome Napao, Jan Monic Soliva, Michael Macion, Jayson Balabag, and Sheldon Gahi among others.