Fast and furious hardcourt action is expected to happen today as hostilities of the Reinforced Partners Cup kicks off at the Cebu Coliseum.
Games today
2 pm DBTC/Unilab Alaxan
vs. CIT/Metro Gaisano
4 pm USJ-R/Bibbo Hotdog
vs. USPF/R. Lapid’s Chicharon
Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC)-Unilab Alaxan takes on the floor first against the Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT)-Metro Gaisano at 2pm, while topseed University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R)-Bibbo Hotdog goes up against the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF)-R. Lapid’s Chicharon in the main match at 4 pm.
This Reinforced season will be as colorful as last year even without the presence of the mighty University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers, the seven-time CESAFI champion whose slot is taken by the Jaguars as the no.1 seed.
If CIT’s reinforcements show up for today’s game, then the public gets back their money’s worth with the possibility of ex-pro Gilbert Demape appearing in Wildcats uniform alongside Jumel Lanutan and Joseph Guangco.
On the other hand, the game between USJ-R and USPF could be well more dramatic. This is because the Jaguars are not allowed to beef up their roster being the topseed, while the Panthers will parade their former aces in the likes of Ayn Latonio, Rex Mangubat, Elvis Labares, Troy Mercader, Bogart Nemenzo and Michael Sereño.
The Wildcats, Panthers and Greywolves are all allowed to hire eight alumni. Only two of them, however, will be fielded in simultaneously.
The University of Cebu (UC)-Aspac Bank, which draws a bye in the opening day, is limited to just three alumni.
The league is organized by Felix O. Tiukinhoy, Jr. and Atty. Baldomero C. Estenzo, with Philippine basketball legend Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez as commissioner.