Jaguars, Webmasters try to keep top 4 hopes alive

CEBU, Philippines- The University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars and the University of Cebu Webmasters will try to keep their top 4 hopes alive when they go up against separate foes today in the 15th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. men’s basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum.

While the Jaguars are expected to have an easy time against the listless University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panthers in the opener at  5:15 p.m., the Webmasters face an uphill battle against the University of San Carlos Warriors in their 6:45 p.m. duel.

Both sporting 4-6 win-loss records, the Jaguars and the Webmasters are in a tight race for the fourth and last semifinal spot.

Regardless of the outcome of their respective games today though, the real determining factor as to who will advance to the penultimate stage is their do-or-die match as the close of the double round elimination on September 26.

For the meantime, the Jaguars again will rely on the likes of Kevin Villafranca, Ralph Dinolan, Justine Labares, Nelvin Navarra, Julius Gastador, Jaybie Mantilla and Ricky Peromingan as they seek a follow-up of their 86-60 demolition of the Panthers last August 29.

The Panthers are already out of contention without a win in 11 starts.

The Webmasters, on the other hand, pin their hopes on Melvin Butohan, Clint Suelto and Joseph Mayol among others.

They surely have a mountain to climb as they face the Warriors, who are still reeling from a disappionting 43-74 loss to the University of the Visayas Green Lancers last Sunday night.

As they aim to regain the top spot and end their campaign in the classification phase on a high note, the Warriors will count the most from Shooster Olago, Ian Tagapan, Nico Magat, Charles Pepito, Ian Ortega and Victor Rabat to name a few. (FREEMAN)