CEBU - The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers take their campaign for an unprecedented eight straight championship to another level when they square off against former tormentor University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors in Game 1 of the best-of-three semifinals in the 8th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) basketball season today at the Cebu Coliseum.
Games today (Cebu Coliseum)
5:15 pm UV vs. USPF (Jrs.)
6:45 pm UV vs. USC (Srs.)
In the 5:15 pm opener, defending champion UV Baby Lancers also take centerstage when they take on the University of southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers in their own race-to-2 showdown.
The Lancers are seeking no less than payback against the Warriors, who humiliated them, 76-80, during the league’s season-opening match last August 2.
Under coach Elmer “Boy” Cabahug, the Lancers have never been beaten two consecutive games in a single CESAFI season and this will be a cause of worry for the Warriors.
Cabahug said when they lost to the Warriors, Von Harry Lanete and Ritchum Dennison were nursing from an injury. He hopes that all his players are healthy in the crucial semifinal round.
Cabahug added their vast championship experience gave them an edge over the Warriors.
On the part of the Warriors, coach Jay Ramirez said they are the heavy underdog because star center Enrico Llanto cannot play due to a lingering slipped disc. In fact, they asked Llanto to just come and sit on the bench for moral support.
“Among ipakita nga ang Warriors mo-fight gyud up to the end aron malingaw ang mga tawo,” said Ramirez even as he admitted that the Lancers are very hard to conquer.
For his part, USC Warriors consultant Mike Reyes said he has already prepared some adjustments for his team in their uphill battle against the formidable Lancers.
Reyes is hoping that Joven Cid Cortes and other big men such as Edward Bakker, John Emel Rowe and Robert Gines Codilla will respond well to Ramirez’s orders. He indicated that UV’s 6-foot-11 behemoth and All-Star MVP Gregory Slaughter will be the focal point of their defense.
Manpower wise, the Lancers have the advantage compared to the Warriors especially at the backcourt wherein UV boasts of explosive guards in the likes of Lanete, Ritchum Dennison, Chris Victor Diputado and sensational rookie Harold Cincoflores.
Meanwhile, the Baby Lancers hope to repeat their mastery over the Baby Panthers, whom they easily disposed in the elimination round, 95-75. (THE FREEMAN)