Crucial matches in store as elimination phase ends

Powerhouse CDO Hamburger-University of the Visayas (UV) Lancers and strong contender VFI Hotdogs-University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars will arrange a featured showdown today to dispute the top spot at the end of the Partner's Cup elimination round at the Cebu Coliseum.

However, UV and USJ-R need to watch over Metro Gaisano-University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters, which also sports a 5-1 win-loss record for the lead.

The Webmasters could take the top spot in the event that they will win over archrival Hapee-University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors in the featured bill capping the 28-game elimination round, which kicked off February 4.

What makes tonight's matches so interesting is that a win by UV over USJ-R will be UC's gain because the Lancers lost to the Webmasters the last time around, 67-73.

But if USJ-R upsets UC, the Jaguars will take the number one spot and UV will slide down third place with UC taking the number two spot via the winner over the other rule.

After today's elimination round, the top four teams will gain a twice-to-beat advantage. The no. 1 qualifier takes on the no. 8, the 2 vs. 7, no. 3 vs.6 and no. 4 vs. 5.

The top four winners will then advance to the semifinals with the no. 1 going up against the no. 4 and the no. 2 against no. 3 in a best-of-three series after which the two winners will play for the finals and the losers for third place.

The scores:

Hape-USC (84) - Ramirez 16, Ferraren 14, Igao 12, Padayao 8, Joven 8, Blanes 6, Gallarde 5, Wang 4, Tagalog 2, Dejaño 2, Padillo 2

Cebu Landamster-USP-F (55) - Ceniza 15, Bartolabac 9, Mancera 9, Dysam 7, Rogado 4, Muñez 4, Gulane 4, Travero 2, Tiro 2 Halftime: 44-26