Blue Eagles battle Landmasters

CEBU, Philippines – Reigning UAAP champion Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles are expected to flaunt their best stuff in amateur basketball when they go up against the Cebu Landmasters today at the start five-day CESAFI/Partners Friendship Cup at the Cebu Coliseum.

In the opener of a featured twinbill, the finest collegiate stars that composed the CESAFI Selection led by 6-foot-9 center June Mar Fajardo will test the mettle of the Pampanga-Smart Buddies of veteran coach Aric del Rosario.

The Blue Eagles arrived yesterday afternoon and after a few hours rest, they held a scrimmage at the Cebu Coliseum. In order to fulfill their commitment of playing in the Friendship Cup, the Eagles have to skip the FilOil-sponsored tournament in Manila.

The Blue Eagles will be led by UAAP MVP Fil-Arabian Rabai Al-Hussaini.

The Landmasters of team owner Joe Soberano and coach Jun Tan are composed of top commercial players having a blend of quickness, speed, height and, of course, vast experience.

Ex-pro Stephen Padilla will lead the Landmasters together with Rino Berami, Alex Cainglet, Bernie Ursal, Mark Ababon, Jayford Rodriguez, Ariel Mepaña, Mark Abadia, Franklin Nailon, Luther Luke Justiniani, and Marvin Mercado.

On the other hand, the CESAFI Selection is composed of Fajardo, Edward Pao, Kevin Quilantang, Jansen Abella and Moncrief Rogado of the UC Webmasters, Aard Diango, Rene Pacquiao, Ritchie Jalandoni and Eleazar Armecin of the SWU Cobras and Kurt Amores, Edmar Pateño, Edwin Bibera, Joseph Villaver and Marvin Duran of the USJ-R Jaguars. – GGM (THE FREEMAN)