For the first time in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) Basketball tournament history, the University of the Visayas Green Lancers will not be participating in the finals. UV won the first 9 basketball championships of the CESAFI and last year was the first time that another school hoisted the crown. The slide continues as the Green Lancers failed to beat the Sotuhwestern University (SWU) Cobras in their do or die semifinal battle. With the victory, SWU earned the right to face the defending champions University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters in the 11th CESAFI finals.
The SWU Cobras mentored by legendary Cebuano coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba is seeking its first ever Cesafi title. Their match against the Green Lancer’s was one-sided but hotly contested and highly emotional. Several players were ejected including UV coach Donbel Belano. The game ended with the score of 74-53 in the Cobras favor. The game was actually cut short by Commissioner Felix Tiukonhoy with 54.9 left on the clock.
Suspensions are given to UV’s Edrian Lao, Phil Mercader, John Abad and Rene Saycon and coach Belano. UV team manager Sam-Sam Gullas apologized on behalf of his team and he informed the media that the 4 players will not play in their series against the USC Warriors.
A new era has began in Cebu college basketball, UV ended a streak of ten straight finals appearances and it is not surprising for some players and fans to get emotional. Hopefully, the Green Lancers will learn from defeat and start getting hungry again.
As for the finalists, it is a very intriguing match-up as the Top 2 teams after the elimination will be facing off for the crown. Will Junmar Fajardo end his college career with a title? Will the boys of Coach Yayoy Alcoseba spoil the UC farewell party? We will know soon as more drama unfolds at the Cebu Coliseum.
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