CECABA stars to battle tough Kiao Ching squad

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Eastern College Alumni Basketball Association All-Stars will face another tough challenge, this time against an equally-strong Manila-based hardcourt warriors that carry with them an impressive track record not only here but also abroad.

The CECABA stars will clash head-on with the Kiao Ching Veteran basketball team at 6:00 tonight at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym in what is by far the toughest test of their hoop prowess since they figured in goodwill, but highly-competitive games in 2002.

Prolific outside shooter Chester C. Cokaliong, a 15-time All-Star MVP and 22-time 3-point shootout champion,  will again expected to be at the cornerstone of CECABA's campaign.

Against the veteran but talent-laden Kiao Ching side, Cokaliong, an eight-time scoring champion, needs to draw support from the ageless Zotico Tan of Batch '67, Samuel Sia of Batch '84, Joel Chan of Batch '85, Richard Yu of Batch '88, Dean Dy Teves and Joseph James Yu of Batch '95, Shaun Christopher Wang and Mark Ryan Babor of Batch '96, and Mark Bukiron of Batch '99.

Chester's vastly-improved younger brother Christopher Cokaliong of Batch '83 also beefs up the roster of CECABA that seeks to improve their overall record of  21 wins, six losses and one draw in 28 exhibition matches, so far.

The Easternians are coming off a three-game winning streak capped by a masterful 115-101 demolition of the Newsmen Basketball Association of Cebu selection during their most latest action last February 23 at the Cebu Coliseum.

Even though they're a solid fighting force enjoying a homecourt advantage, the CECABA cagers must brace for an uphill battle against the Kiao Ching squad, which dominated the World Overseas Chinese Veterans Basketball Invitational Tournament two years ago in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Under the tetulage of Benito Gan, Kiao Ching is composed of former University of Sto. Tomas guard Rudy Yu, Joel Yap, Andrew Ongteco, Aris Franco, Julio Cruz, Ben Ong, Peter Yu, Robert Sy, Danny Ching, Yuk Chi Ng, Wilford Chua, Eugene Tsai and William Quilala.

Sportsman Eduard Tio and Jonathan Go head the Kiao Ching delegation in their Cebu joust.  (FREEMAN)