UV, UC in grudge match
The powerhouse University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers and the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters are expected to figure in a grudge match as they face each other in the 2018 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Partner's Cup today at the Cebu Coliseum.
Regardless of the outcome of their 6:45 p.m. duel, the Lancers and the Webmasters are already a lock for the championship with identical 5-0 records.
Still, the two protagonists will surely give their all-out best fighting for pride as they bring their rivalry to another level.
UV and UC clashed in last year's CESAFI Finals, with the Lancers emerging victorious in three games to successfully retain their title.
Despite the departure of big men, Jerome Napao, Jason Balabag and Monic Soliva, the Lancers of coach Gary Cortes remain a formidable force anchored on their fiveman guard rotation in Rey Suerte, Josue Segumpan, Tristan Albina, Gileant Delator and Sheldon Gahi.
Strengthened further by new import Lassina Coulibaly, a hulking 6foot-8 figure from Cameroon, the Lancers can also count on Michael Maestre, Jancork Cabahug, Melvin Butohan, Cris Bolaño, Hubert Villaceran and Jossier Hassan among others.
But just like in their past meetings though, the Lancers must be wary of the Webmasters especially that coach Yayoy Alcoseba has also beefed up his roster preparatory for the 18th CESAFI basketball season set to take off on August 25.
A quick look at Alcoseba's troops, the Webmasters are even getting stronger with the addition of Paul Galinato and Darrell Menina to back up John Calvin Jabello, Justine Dacalos, and Joven Tagudin at the backcourt.
Under the leadership of Cameroonian reinforcement Frederick Elombi, the Webmasters also have Peter Paul Codilla, Allen Dave Peligrino and Marc Obado to man their frontcourt.
Also, the Webmasters are on high morale following their runner-up finish to the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers in the Mayor Kim Lope A. Asia Collegiate Basketball Invitational Tournament last week in Baguyan City, Agusan del Sur.
Meanwhile, the 4-1 University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers will shoot for a finals berth when they go up against the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Baby Jaguars in the opening game at 5:15 p.m.—