University of the Visayas routs University of San Jose-Recoletos 79-55

MANILA, Philippines – The University of the Visayas pounced on a lethargic effort by University of San Jose-Recoletos to hack out a 79-55 win Tuesday in the stepladder phase of the 2012 PCCL Southern Islands Championship at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Green Lancers closed in on a possible rematch with rival Southwestern University, which beat them for the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) crown last month.

UV will get another crack at SWU if it gets past Holy Trinity College of General Santos Wednesday.

The Wildcats advanced after a 101-77 rout of West Negros University.

USJ-R dug itself a deep hole in the third period as it went cold offensively, going without a field goal en route to just measly two points. The Lancers capitalized as they widened their gap to 34, 65-31.

Wowie Escosio, Cesafi’s first ever Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player, led the way for UV with 12 points in limited minutes. Raffy Octobre and Rene Saycon added 11 points each.

Renato Abing paced USJ-R with 13 while Matthew Parker chipped in 12 markers.

Meanwhile, Reigning UAAP MVP Ray Parks and National University clashes with defending PCCL champion San Sebastian led by NCAA MVP Ian Sangalang Wednesday at 4pm. With reports from Jonas Rey N. Panerio of Cebu Daily News