Lancers love losing first only to triumph in the end

Losers at the start. Winners in the end.

This has been one of the interesting storylines of the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers in their glorious campaign in the 17th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) cage wars.

During their pre-season stint in Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte last summer, the Lancers fumbled in their first game against the Southwestern University-Phinma (SWU) Cobras but went on to clinch the championship of the St. Isidore Parish Fiesta Invitational Basketball Cup.

They somehow made it a habit in the regular CESAFI season.

During their opening assignment on August 6, the Lancers got stunned by the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, 73-78.

But UV coach Gary Cortes dismissed their setback as a mere first day jitters. As far as he is concerned, it did not cast even an iota of doubt on their capability to repeat as champs.

"That loss is no big deal to me. In every game, you win some, you lose some. Besides, we're already used to it," said Cortes then.

Unleashing their full might, the Lancers bounced back with great resolve, sweeping their next 11 games in the double round elimination to emerge as elimination round topnotchers.

They then advanced to the final round for the third straight year under the command of Cortes without any glitch after eliminating the USC Warriors.

In the finals, the Lancers were sent crashing back to earth after absorbing a 77-85 loss to the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters in the opener of their best-of-three series.

But just like what they have done in the past, the Lancers charged back with fire on their eyes.

After gaining lifeline with a 77-66 Game 2 victory on Friday the 13th, the Lancers eventually knocked out the Webmasters, 69-56, in the deciding Game 3 to successfully defend their throne and in the process claim their 12th title overall.

Looking back at the 'losing' pattern that they went through, Cortes couldn't help but flash a hearty grin.

"We always lose at first, but come out victorious in the end. That's a pretty good trend," said Cortes. "But I really didn't give it a thought because we're so focused on defending our title and at the same time deliver a double championship for UV as well."

Cortes said he hopes that they would be able to carry on their winning ways as they shoot for a grandslam feat next season.

"I hope that we will still be able to defend our title next year. For now, we will just enjoy our moment," said Cortes. —