Cebuano teams debut in Filoil Flying V Cup

MANILA, Philippines – Cebu-based teams University of San Carlos Warriors and University of Visayas Green Lancers make their long-awaited debut in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup on Wednesday, April 30, at the San Juan Arena.

UV, the current Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Incorporated (CESAFI) champion will be playing the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in the main game at 4 p.m. while USC takes on Jose Rizal University at 12:30 p.m.

Felix “Donbel” Belano, a 10-year PBA alumnus known for his lengthy stint with Talk ‘N Text, is on his third year of coaching the UV Green Lancers. Belano will count on two players who were instrumental in leading UV to last year’s CESAFI title to lead his Manila campaign in 5’7” point guard John Abad, the CESAFI Finals MVP, and 6’5” power forward Wowie Escosio, who is the first ever rookie/MVP of CESAFI during the 2012 season.

USC is coached by another 10-year PBA veteran in Junthy Valenzuela who played on those overachieving Red Bull teams under Yeng Guiao. The Warriors who finished third in last season’s CESAFI tourney, are led by former Ateneo Blue Eaglet Izak Kiefer Lim, Anthony Romaguera, Victor Rabat, and Africans Espoir Tuyembe and Olago Shooster.

The Perpetual Help Altas are on their third year under Aric del Rosario, who hopes his veterans will step up now that Nigerian scoring sensation Nosa Omorogbe has used up his playing eligibility. The Altas will count on Scottie Thompson, Harold Arboleda, Cris Elopre, Justine Alano and Juneric Baloria.

Veteran shooter Philip Paniamogan and bruising power forward Michael Mabulac will lead the Vergel Meneses-coached JRU Heavy Bombers. Joining them are newcomers Abdul Razak, their 6’8” Ghanaian reinforcement, and Jordan dela Paz.

Other matches on Filoil Wednesday include National University and Far Eastern University in a Women’s Division tussle at 10:45 a.m. and the San Beda Red Lions testing the Seaba-bound RP Youth Under-18 team at 2:15 p.m. and Mapua and UST in a Juniors match-up in the nightcap at 5:45 p.m.

Tickets to the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup are available at all SM TicketNet outlets as well as the game venue.

The preseason collegiate basketball tournament is sponsored by Filoil, Flying V, Total, Hanes, Timex, Starmobile, San Miguel Corporation, Meralco, BDO, Silverworks, Gatorade, Gerry’s Grill, Reyes Barbecue, LGR, Brothers Burger, BPI, PBCom, Molten, CDO, Bayo, Douwe Egberts, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Oxycan, Red Logo and Bacchus.