Cobras debut today; Lancers beat Jaguars

CEBU, Philippines - Strong title contender Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras try to live up to their billing when they open their season tonight against the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors in the main offering of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum.

The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers shoot for a share of the overall lead when they go up against the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats.

Games today: (Cebu Coliseum)

1 pm USC vs. CEC (Sec.)

2:30 pm SHS-ADC vs. CIT-U (Sec.)

4 pm UV vs. CIT-U (Coll.)

5:30 pm USC vs. SWU (Coll.)

The Cobras, the most talked-about team during the pre-season, did not only augment their roster but also hired veteran and multi-titled coach Raul "Yayoy" Alcoseba.

This will be Alcoseba's first stint as coach in the CESAFI, which is on its 11th year.

The last time Alcoseba won a collegiate title was in 1999 when he steered the Cebu Doctors University (formerly CDC) Stallions to the championship. Interestingly it was against the Cobras of former coach Eddie Ybañez before the league was re-named to what is now known today as CESAFI.

The following year, the Cobras and the Stallions had a rematch and the Cobras of coach Dodie Miego, dethroned the Stallions.

And then came the inaugural season of CESAFI in 2001 where the Lancers made an unprecedented nine-year title run that was halted only last year by long-time collegiate nemesis University of Cebu (UV) Webmasters.

The Lancers hope to match the 2-0 record they are now targeting to match with a win over the Wildcats.

The Lancers opened the season with a 77-69 victory over the University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR) Jaguars last Thursday with Edrian Lao making his presence felt at the post leading the team's offense with 24 points.

They allowed the Jaguars to lead, 19-17 at the end of the first period and then had to go through a roller-coaster ride in the next two periods where the game was still close after the third period.

However, the Lancers regained their strength in the final period where they managed to protect the lead and made a sustainable push down the homestretch courtesy of Lao's effective post plays.

Lao was the only Lancer to hit in double figures as their two other big men, Niño Saycon and Andrew Avillanoza, seemed comfortable to just play the supporting role at the center-forward positions.

Guards Medjet dela Rama and Banjo Capillar both scored 13 points to lead the Jaguars. 

The scores:

UV (Coll.) 77 - Lao 24, Abad 8, Cincoflores 8, Rios 7, Perolino 6, Saycon 4, Mercader 3, Premacio 3, Avillanoza 2, Silva 2

USJR (Coll.) 69 - Dela Rama 13, Capillar 13, Regalado 8, Olbedado 8, Suliman 7, Genodiala 6, Tabaloc 6, Nudalo 4, Abing 2, Lajato 2, Martinez 2 Hafltime: 39-33. - THE FREEMAN