USJ-R hosts USP today

Perrenial runner-up University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars, under new coach Donald Duran, play host to the University of Southern Philippines Panthers, even as secondary division defending champion University of the Visayas Baby Lancers take centerstage today against Don Bosco Greywolves at the USJ-R gym in Brgy. Basak, this city.

Games today:
4 pm Don Bosco vs. UV (sec.)
6 pm USP vs. USJ-R (sec.)
8 pm USP vs. USJ-R (coll.)

The Jaguars lost one of their most potential scorers in Richard Ian Saladaga, who is now in the PBL, but the holdovers are certainly no shoo-ins especially Luther Justimiani, Manny Gabas, Jayford Calinawan, John Malinao and Randy Pogoy to name a few.

The game between the Jaguars and the Panthers last year became controversial when Arnel Lozano hit the abdomen of Randy Colonia that eventually resulted to Lozano's one-year banishment from the league upon the decision of the CESAFI Board.

This time, the Panthers are again raring to go at the Jaguars to prove how serious they are in their campaign for another semifinals appearance.

The Panthers lost five players from the old roster in the likes of Ayn Latonio, Aries Gloria, Bogart Nemenzo, Roden Sumalo and Michael Sereño, but their rookies are just as hard-fighting as those who are no longer there.

Some of the rookies to watch from the Panthers brigade are Moncrif Rogado, grandson of former USC Warrior Titing Rogado, Alfred Belande, Gilbert Gallarde, Gerry Geraldez and Elison Rivera.

USP coach Raul Latonio, Sr. said he has a 50-50 chance of winning tonight's game because Rogado, Gallarde, Marlon Demape and Francis Cumba are injured.

On the other hand, the Baby Panthers of coach Camilo Go rely on his wards who placed second in the Adidas Streetball national finals including Sam Jordan Hermosa, Dennis Ferraren, Michael Rey Cabatingan, Alfonso Abala III and Philip Andrew Muñez.

Baby Panther rookie guard Aljon Loon from Poro, Camotes will also be tested tonight as he debuts in the big league.

Meanwhile, the odds are almost even when the Baby Lancers and the Greywolves square off against each today in what is considered a finals preview in the juniors division.