UC, USJ-R, USPF seek early lead
TheUniversityof Cebu(UC)Webmasters, University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars, and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (UPSF) Panthers gun for the early collegiate division lead as they take centerstage in today’s double-header of the 18th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men’s basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum.
Of the three, the Panthers bear the heaviest load as they go up against twotime defending champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers in the main game at 6:45 p.m.
Just two nights ago, the Panthers escaped past the Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras, 62-59, for a rare winning start. They now set their sights on a historic backto-back
victories but the odds are stuck against them as they collide with the heavyweight Lancers.
Not only that, the Lancers are also itching to barge into the win column after absorbing a heartrending 73-89 defeat to the Jaguars last Sunday.
They may no longer have the sharp-shooting Tristan Albina and flashy pointman Sheldon Gahi who is on sickbay but the Lancers remain a formidable force.
Led by 6-foot-6 Liberian import Bassieru Sackor, the Lancers parade a plethora of talents still in the mold of Josue Segumpan, Rey Suerte, Gileant Delator, Ted Saga, and Michael Maestre. They can also count on rookie guards Jim Paul Amistoso and Froiland Maglasang, All-Star forward Jancork Cabahug, Jossier Hassan, Jiezel Tarrosa, and Ubert Villaceran.
The Panthers, on the other hand, are expected to squeeze the most from their Nigerian reinforcement Rich Managor and local gunners Roy Quiachon, Edwin Villarta, Kenneth Cada, Rodelio Cauba, Lugie Cuyos, Rendy Sarahina, Mike Patalinghug, and Karl Mangahin as they chase after a breakthrough triumph.
Like the Panthers, the Webmasters and the Jaguars also aim for a 2-0 start but one of them will go down as they clash head-on in the 5:15 p.m. opener.
On the same night the Jaguars stunned the Lancers, the Webmasters walloped the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, 72-50, to serve early notice of their serious title bid.
Under the leadership of 6-foot-7 Cameroonian tower Frederick Elombi, the Webmasters have a vast weaponry at their disposal including Justine Dacalos, Paul Galinato, John Jabello, Joven Tagudin, Dave Peligrino, Peter Codilla, and Darrell Shane Menina.
They will take on the tough Jaguars side that became tougher owing to the presence of 6-foot-10 Cameroonian import Tochukwu Ewenike backing up their bunch of old reliables in reigning CESAFI MVP Jaybie Mantilla, JR Dinolan, Ricky Peromingan, Juan Miguel Gastador, and Nicole Ubalde. Governor’s Cup MVP Elmer Exchavez, Jan Mangaron, and Fletcher Galvez are their added firepower.