UC gets sweet revenge, beats longtime rival UV

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The rivalry between the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters and the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers added another chapter on Sunday night, with UC finally getting one over its longtime collegiate nemesis.

The Webmasters scored sweet revenge for last December’s Cesafi championship heartbreak, beating the Green Lancers, 85-70, in a crucial game of the Cebu City Collegiate Invitational Basketball Tournament at the Cebu City Sports Institute Gym in Barangay Sawang Calero.

For years, UC and UV have been among the biggest names in Cebu collegiate basketball, with their meetings often carrying more than just the usual stakes. Their latest encounter was no different, especially with the memory of UV’s Cesafi Finals victory over UC still fresh.

This time, it was the Webmasters who walked away on top.

The victory improved UC’s record to 2-1 and put the Webmasters in a strong position to secure the second and final championship berth against unbeaten Jose Rizal University.

UC can arrange a championship rematch with JRU by beating Benedicto College in the final game of the elimination round on Monday.

Three teams could finish with identical 2-2 records after the eliminations, with the University of the East Warriors already completing their campaign at 2-2. UC and UV could also finish with the same mark, but the Webmasters hold the edge after beating both the Red Warriors and Green Lancers.

The Webmasters, however, had to overcome a rough start against their familiar rivals.

UC managed only five points in the opening five minutes as UV raced to a 14-5 advantage. The Webmasters gradually found their rhythm and closed the opening period ahead, 24-23.

From there, UC took control, stretching its lead to 58-47 at halftime before keeping UV at bay the rest of the way.

Five Webmasters finished in double figures, led by Arnold Minoza Jr. and Ricofer Sordilla with 16 points apiece. Minoza added 10 rebounds for a double-double.

Raul Gentallan paced UV with 16 points, while Zylle Cabellon added 10 as the Green Lancers absorbed their second straight defeat after opening the tournament with a 79-77 victory over Benedicto College.

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