Sunday, August 03, 2008 Starting on a sour note By Marian C. Baring Sun.Star Staff Reporter
THE University of San Carlos Warriors finally discovered the formula that may just be the secret that could topple seven-time champion University of the Visayas Green Lancers in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc (Cesafi).
Double team Greg Slaughter.
This proved to be effective as the Warriors finally hit paydirt when they bashed the Green Lancers, 80-76, in the season opener yesterday at an overflowing Cebu Coliseum.
It was the first time the Lancers lost in their first game of the season.
“We had been playing with the idea for quite some time now. We practiced for this for a week. We decided to put it to use in the final few minutes so that Slaughter will not have time to adjust. We were also lucky because their top shooters were not there,” said head coach Jay Ramirez.
It also seems two-time MVP Enrico Llanto found a replacement for his longtime partner Niño Ramirez, in new recruit Filipino-Aussie Emel Rowe, as the duo clicked well especially in the crucial final minute.
With the score tied at 72, Llanto squeezed in a difficult left-hand scoop under the goal against Slaughter and another defender for a two-point lead less than a minute left.
UV failed to convert their ball possession and Rowe capitalized and sank a buzzer-beating layup for a confident four-point lead in the final 23 seconds and Giovanni Padillo scored four straight charities to the win.
Also worthy of mention were the efforts of Sam Hermosa and Rowe, who scored back-to-back triples in the fourth quarter.
“It was a good game. We could celebrate about it for a while, but we need to get back on the study board tomorrow,” said Rowe.
Slaughter’s efforts were not enough. The Green Lancers did not have its top shooters Von Lañete and Ritchum Dennison, who had to be benched because of injuries. Dennison had a shoulder problem, while Lañete was nursing a bout with chicken pox.
