THE University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers exacted revenge on the Southwestern University (SWU) - Phinma Cobras as they beat the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) champions, 76-67, to capture the title in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League Visayas/Mindanao Regional Championship at the Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Center in Dumaguete City on Wednesday night, March 4, 2020.
The win gave UV the final ticket to the Final Four of the National Collegiate Championship on Saturday, March 7, 2020. The Green Lancers will be taking on none other than the reigning UAAP champion, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles in a knockout game. The other semifinal game will feature the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, who will be taking on the San Beda Red Lions.
UV’s standout forward, Jancork “The Bulldozer” Cabahug, said that as satisfying as winning against the Cobras was, it was far from being their goal.
“The goal of the team was to win. We did our best because we wanted to recover from our loss during last Cesafi. Our mindset wasn’t on winning against SWU. It was more of trying to be better and learning from our lapses during the Cesafi,” said the pride of Mandaue City.
Cabahug added they put in a lot of time and effort into preparing for the PCCL and they are grateful to get the chance to showcase their talent on the national stage against a powerhouse Blue Eagles squad.
“We are very blessed and happy with the results in PCCL VisMin. All the hard work and double time in training was worth it. At least na prove namo sa among selves na kaya pa jud namo basta focus lang mi maayu.”
The win was also a fitting gift for UV head coach Gary Cortes, who celebrated his birthday on March 4. (JNP)