WARRIORS TARGET FIFTH STRAIGHT WIN

USC Warriors hope to extend record against former champ SWU USC leads Cesafi in defense, limiting foes to only 58 points per game In high school division, USC goes for third straight win against CIT-U The University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors will be shooting for their fifth win as they face the Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras in the college division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) Basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum at 6:45 p.m.

In the opening match, the USC Baby Warriors will shoot for their third straight win as they play the winless Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats at 5:15 p.m.

The Warriors will be riding high on their recent 67-62 overtime win against the import-laden University of Cebu Webmasters last Sunday that put them close to sweeping the first round of the double-round robin elimination phase.

Through four games, USC is the league’s best defensive team as it limits opponents to only 58.0 points per game, while scoring 73 on a 42.31 field goal average. The Warriors also average 40.7 rebounds, 19.7 assists and 11.2 steals per game.

Coach Bong Abad has been successful in getting the best of Victor Rabat, who is the team’s leading scorer, while all-around player John Reel Saycon has shown to be a vital part in the Warriors’ winning run.

The Cobras meanwhile will be playing without Jovannie Luz, who was tossed out of the game after engaging in an exchange of fists with CIT-U forward Kerr Louie Nemil last Thursday.

The incident is currently under review by the commissioner’s office and anytime this week, Commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy Jr. is expected to release the decision, which will determine whether the two players warrant more than just a P5,000 fine, one-game suspension and a fourhour community service.

The Cobras currently hold a 1-2 win-loss record and is fourth in defense, allowing 69.0 points per game and is third in scoring with 75.0 points per game. They also shot at an average of 42.30 percent from the field and also norms 42.4 rebounds, 17.8 assists and 9.8 steals in three games. /