CEBU, Philippines - The Southwestern University-Phinma Cobras will try to stretch their unbeaten streak to eight games when they battle the Mighty Sports-backed University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars in the 16th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. men's basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum today.
After completing a six-game sweep in the first round, the Cobras opened the next stage of their campaign with a close 58-54 decision over the defending champion University of San Carlos Warriors last Sunday.
At 6:45 tonight, the Cobras of coach Raul "Yayoy" D. Alcoseba seek for a repeat over the Jaguars, whom they beat in overtime, 85-71, during their August 21 match.
With a powerful lineup led by 6-foot-8 Congolese import Quentin Nzuzi, two-time MVP Mark Jayven Tallo and explosive rookie Sir Shaquille Imperial, the Cobras will step on the floor as the topdogs against the short-handed Jaguars. They also have Bernie Bregondo, Jovannie Luz, Mark Racho and Anton Pardo among their reliable offensive force.
Southwestern U, however, must be extra cautious against the 10-man Jaguars, who have always shown they are tough as nails in every game they take. In fact during their first encounter, the Cobras needed an extra five-minute period before getting rid of the gritty Jaguars.
Expected to carry the fight for the USJ-R camp of coach Jun Noel are Jaybie Mantilla, RJ Dinolan, Ricky Peromingan, Juan Miguel Gastador, Albert Catiloc and Nelvin Navarra. They can also count on their rookies in John Pastias and Victor Munez.
In the juniors division play set at 5:15 pm, the Don Bosco Technology Center Greywolves hope to end a two-game slide as they face the listless Cebu Institute of Technology-University Wildkittens.
After a record 4-0 start, the Greywolves suddenly found themselves crashing back to earth with back-to-back losses at he hands of three-time defending champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles (48-73) and the Cebu Eastern College Dragons (60-63).
The Greywolves though are in for an easy ride this time as they go up against the Wildkittens, who are still winless in six starts. (FREEMAN)