Cobras seek 9th straight win

CEBU, Philippines - The unbeaten Southwestern University-Phinma Cobras shoot for their ninth straight win as they take on the University of Cebu Webmasters in the 16th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. men's basketball tournament today at the Cebu Coliseum.

After completing a six-game first round sweep, the Cobras continued their rampage with back-to-back triumphs against the defending champion University of San Carlos Warriors (58-54) and the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars (75-65) to pull away from the field with an 8-0 slate.

The wards of coach Raul " Yayoy" Alcoseba hope to make it nine games in a row against the Webmasters, whom they crushed, 72-61, during their first meeting last August 27.

With 6-foot-8 Congolese tower Quentin Nzuzi and star-studded locals in two-time MVP Mark Jayven Tallo, Bernie Bregondo and Jovannie Luz at the helm, the Cobras are indeed a formidable fighting force. The presence of their equally-talented rookies led by the sharpshooting Sir Shauille Imperial and prized recruit Ian Ortega make them even stronger.

Their invincibility, however, will once again be tested by the underdogs but hard-fighting Webmasters under the tutelage of lawyer Kenneth Kernn Sesante.

As they seek an upset against the Cobras, the 2-4 Webmasters pin their hopes on Garciano Puerto, Justine Dacalos, Joven Tagudin, Filvenson Culango, John Jabello, Joseph Mayol and Clint Suelto among others.

In the main game at 5:30 p.m., the Warriors will try to improve their 3-4 record as they go up against the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panthers, who have won only once in six starts, so far.

In the juniors division play, the 6-1 Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles will try to boost their bid for an outright semis berth when they battle the 3-4 SWU Baby Cobras in  the first game at 1 p.m., while the Baby Panthers gun for their second victory in seven games when they face the winless Cebu Institute of Technology-University Wildkittens at 2:30 p.m. (FREEMAN)