Entry of Cobras big a boost to Partners Cup

Organizers of the school-based Partners Cup led by commissioner Ramon Fernandez believe that the entry of the Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras for the first time in the CESAFI-sanctioned league will help in drawing back the crowd in basketball games.

Fernandez was with CESAFI commissioner Felix O. Tiukinhoy Jr. and University of Cebu (UC) Webmaters team manager Atty. Baldomero C. Estenzo during yesterday's weekly SCOOP-Cebu forum at the Baseline Restaurant.

The entry of SWU is a factor because the Cobras are known to be a fighting team. The SWU-UV rivalry was the most watched games in the old CAAA days when they met in several championship games.

Today, SWU is joining in the Visayas Amateur Athletic Association (VAAA), a revival of the old CAAA, but the only difference is that there are other schools from nearby Visayas provinces included such as Leyte, Bohol and Oriental Negros.

Also for the first time in a collegiate basketball, the championship will in a form of a best-of-five series to give the much-needed exposure for the corporate sponsors.

Since three of the schools namely SWU, USC and USJ-R are also playing in the VAAA, the Partners Cup will adjust its schedules to avoid conflict.

The opening games on February 4 will only feature three games from the original four because USC is leaving for Leyte for VAAA.

Students from CESAFI member schools are given discounts on their entry for as long as the will shows their Ids at the gate,. Tickets are sold at a very minimal prices at P5 for general admission, P20 for upperbox and P40 for lowerbox.