Monday, November 26, 2007 UV fights STI for finals berth
THE University of the Visayas Green Lancers once more plunge into action in the Collegiate Champions’ League today at the San Juan Arena, where they will be gunning for a slot to the title round.
Whether the weeklong rest will do the Green Lancers good will be known today when they take on the STI College Olympians at 2 p.m.
The seven-time champion of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. earned their semis slot after defeating University of Mindanao, 78-58.
The Green Lancers did not expect a lighter challenge in the semifinals as they were hoping to face Far Eastern University today. FEU, however, bombed out of contention when it lost to STI, 72-77, in their quarterfinal outing.
STI may be an easier assignment compared to FEU but UV head coach Elmer “Boy” Cabahug said they will not be complacent.
“We can’t be relaxed. FEU would have been tougher, but STI is also a strong team,” said Cabahug.
STI eased into the Champions’ League after winning the National Athletic Association of Colleges and Universities.
Lineup
Cabahug, who will be parading his gigantic lineup in Rino Berami, Ariel Mepaña, Michael Luga with prized pivot Gregory Slaughter and their trigger happy point guards Ritchum Dennison, who has consistently paced the Lancers in their entire Champions’ League, and Von Lanete, is hoping to finally win his first national title this year.
The trail towards this goal has been a good one as UV kept on facing easy teams and getting the breaks. At first, UAAP champion De La Salle University backed out and with a bunch of upsets, UV faced easier opponents.
If UV wins today, its real test will be in the championship round as it will face either Adamson University Blue Eagles or the University of Sto. Tomas Tigers, which will take on each other in the other semis outing. Both are heavyweights in the UAAP. (MCB)
