UV, UC face separate rivals today in Cebu Invitational hoop

Five-time Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) champion University of the Visayas Green Lancers and losing finalist University of Cebu Webmasters will show their wares today when they face separate rivals from Manila in the opening of the four-day Cebu Invitational tournament at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Lancers, who will miss the services of CESAFI MVP Mark Ababon and defensive pivotman Randy Sevilla, will still rely on some of their mainstays when they go up against the College of St. Benilde Blazers in the main game.

After the 1pm preliminary between the two-time CESAFI women's champion UC Lady Webmasters against the USC Lady Warriors, the UC Webmasters will go up against the Ateneo Blue Eagles, the 2002 UAAP champion.

Coach Elmer "Boy" Cabahug will bank on the 6-8 tower of Rino Berami, Ariel Mepaña, Jayford Rodriguez, Eulogio Lasala, Jr. Harry Von Lanete, Jezar Esperat, Gaylord Santos and Eduardo Arda. They will be backed-up by some under trainees in the duration of the tournament.

The presence of Paolo Orbeta and Jay Sagad in the Blazers' roster is still in doubt because they are playing for the Rain or Shione Elastoseal in the PBL.

Even without Ababon and Sevilla, the Lancers are still the favorites over the Blazers in tonight's contest.

The Webmasters meanwhile, will miss the services of topgunner Orville Saludsod and big man Ata Ayuk, who already graduated therefore giving the visiting Eagles a bigger chance of winning.

Should UV wins and UC loses, they will meet tomorrow and it will be a showdown betwen the Eagles and the Blazers during the seconed day of the tournament.

The Eagles of coach Norman Black will parade at least three players who made it into the RP Youth Team last year namely Ken Barracoso, Macky Escalon and Johann Uichico, son of San Miguel Beer coach Jong Uichico. The other players are Rabe Al Hussaini, Ford Arao, Yuri Escueta, JC Intal, Doug Kramer, Zion Laterre, Eman Monfort, Marin Quimson, Jai Reyes, son of National Team coach Chot reyes Eric Salamat and Chris Tiu.