UC shoots for 3-0 lead in CESAFI

CEBU, Philippines - The University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters gun for their third consecutive victory when they collide with the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers in the lone collegiate match of the 9th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) basketball season tonight at the Cebu Coliseum.

Games today

(Cebu Coliseum)

4:30 pm USPF vs. USC (Jrs.)

6 pm USPF vs. UC (Srs.)

Prior to that, the USPF bantams will go up against the University of San Carlos (USC) Baby Warriors, with both hoping to bounce back from their opening day setbacks.

As usual, UC's 6-foot-9 skyscraper June Mar Fajardo poses as the biggest headache for USPF of coach Raul Latonio.

As antidote to Fajardo's intimidating presence at the shaded lane, Latonio is bent on fielding in Renato Gulane, who was earlier dropped by the screening commiteee due to age issues.

But Latonio said before their 88-83 victory in overtime against the DBTC Greywolves last week that he had no choice than to field in Gulane, a pesky defender and one of his defensive aces.

Latonio said that preventing Gulane to play is too much against his team considering that their top gunner Moncrief Rogado had already jumped ship to take a masteral course at UC with subject not being offered in USPF.

"Grabe sab og ila pa gyung daginoton si Gulane nga pwerte nang huyanga sa akong team. Ako gani na-anugnan man ni Rogado pero wala ko'y mahimo kay decision man sa bata," lamented Latonio.

Latonio said the eligibility rule in the CESAFI depends on who is interpreting it, but as far as he is concerned, Gulane is qualified to play.

Granting he is old, Latonio argued that Gulane is just about a month older after CESAFI's opening last August 1. And even until December 31, Gulane is still 25 years old so he can join the league.

Latonio vowed to stake his job as Panthers coach should Gulane is prohibited from playing. He would even bring up the matter to the CESAFI Board for thorough deliberation on the issue.

"Maikog gyud unta ko ani kay amoa ra ba ang presidente, abi pa lang nagsalig ko pero angay sad makahibalo ang Board," Latonio added.

USPF president Engr. Rolando Villa is presently the chairman of the CESAFI Board. (THE FREEMAN)