CEBU, Philippines - The much-anticipated grand rematch between the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters and the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers is shaping up as the two rivals are going up against separate foes at the start of the Sweet 16 Finals of the ongoing Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) Cebu Basketball Festival at the Cebu Coliseum.
If the two teams win, the Webmasters and the Lancers will meet again tomorrow in what is considered as CESAFI Finals-Part 2.
The Lancers are going up against the VisMin Zonal top qualifier, University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors in a game that will be televised over Studio 23.
The Webmasters are going up against the University of Iloilo Wildcats.
To spice up today's explosive double headers will be the dance exhibitions by the UC and UV dance troupes.
Action switch to a higher gear tomorrow when top two teams from Manila — UAAP losing finalist Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws and NCAA third placer Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers will face off in a knockout match.
The Warriors swept the VisMin Zonals, which started last Sunday and advanced with a record of 3-0 after they escaped with an 83-81 overtime win over the visitors from Davao the Agro Industrial Foundation College (AIFC) Sailors of coach Matt Piscovero.
The Sailors loss paved the way for an entry by the Wildcats of Iloilo, who stunned the Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras, 83-67 and made it into the Sweet 16 via the backdoor despite of their 1-2 finish. The Sailors, champion of the Region 11 eliminations by beating the Holy Cross College, defeated Iloilo the other day, 84-74 but the 14-point victory by the Wildcats was more than enough to overcome their deficit thus, they lived for one more day and the Davaoeños bid goodbye as well to follow the Cobras. – THE FREEMAN