Warriors host Cobras tonight

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, hopeful of earning twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinal round, host the skidding Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras in a crucial game for both squads tonight in the 12th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men's basketball tournament, which shifts action to the USC-Main Gym.

Spicing up the USC-SWU tussle will be the showdown of juniors division co-leaders University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers and Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles at 5 pm.

The Warriors, carrying an even 2-2 win-loss record, shoot for a victory to bolster their chances of clinching the No.3 spot behind the UV Lancers and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars. They will end their elimination campaign against the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats on September 1 back to the Cebu Coliseum.

The Warriors, under the tutelage of Cebuano basketball legend Julian Macoy, will rely on streak shooter June Michael Cantonao, American-Chinese recruit Stephen Que, forward Nico Magat, guard Nilton John Otida and center Charles Pepito among others.

The Warriors hacked out an 83-73 win over the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USFP) Panthers during their previous match, while the Cobras fell prey to the mighty UV Lancers, 86-95.

The Cobras are in a must-win situation as they face the grim prospect of sliding into the fifth place should they lose against the Warriors in their 6:45 pm encounter.

As usual, the Cobras will count on their Cameroonian twin towers Justin Aboude and Benoit Mbala. Their local reliables include Monbert Arong, Jestoni Casquejo and Joseph Nalos. (FREEMAN)