Finishing the Elite 8 games with a 2-2 slate, the University of Visayas Green Lancers finished the 2014 PCCL Games in third place after defeating their CESAFI team counterpart, the USC Warriors, 63-60 in the Ynares Gym, Pasig.
Both teams started out rough as the Cebu squads exchanged sloppy possessions. Offensively, both were also slow in their sets; the Warriors made their first field goal with nearly five minutes played in the first canto. USC’s zone defense forced the Green Lancers to perimeter shots but UV only converted one triple.
Franz Arong, who played stellar outings back in Cebu, paced the Green Lancers with seven points to help their scoring while Steve Akomo had four blocks in the first quarter.
Veteran skipper John Abad scored six quick points including a corner triple to pick up the offense in the second period. Both teams managed to produce from their outside game but the inside game was unproductive because of the defense of both squads’ imports.
UV established a slim lead heading into halftime against USC thanks to Arong’s hot shooting and the Lancers’ rim protection.
UV led by as much as eight during the third frame due to another slow start by the Warriors. USC then countered slowly during a rally capped by a Kiefer Lim triple to help the Warriors regain the lead.
After USC shattered the 55-all deadlock with a triple, UV responded with six straight points. The Green Lancers’ pressure defense helped them, similar to their comeback against the same opponent back in the Elite 8 games. In addition, Abad floated one in from the baseline with 38 seconds left in the game to seal the deal.
UV committed less turnovers, 15-25 but was out-rebounded by USC, 38-62.
Abad led the way for the Lancers with 19 points and 4 steals. Akomo manned the paint by collecting 13 boards and swatting 7 shots.
The scores:
UV- Abad 19, Arong 15, Codilla 9, Akomo 5, Josue 5, Octobre 4, Perolino 2, Mpouma 2, Manzo 2, Santillan 0
USC- Olago 18, Lim 12, Rabat 11, Asuncion 10, Magat 3, Pepito 2, Tagapan 2, Toyambi 2, Bensig 0, Laguyo 0, Ecarma 0
Quarterscores: 12-12, 31-29, 45-43, 63-60
