Enervon Cesafi partner's cup Prime Asia and San Marino commence title showdown

CEBU, Philippines - The undefeated Prime Asia Lending-UV Lancers and the San Marino Tuna/CIT-U Wildcats begin their best-of-three showdown for the Enervon CESAFI Partner's Cup 2013 basketball crown today at the Cebu Coliseum

They will clash at 5:45 pm, right after the knockout battle for third place between the Gaisano Capital South-UC Webmasters and the Cebu Landmasters-USC Warriors at 4 pm.

As expected, Prime Asia advanced following a 13-0 streak capped by a 65-76 drubbing of Gaisano Capital, while San Marino took the last finals trip after edging out the Cebu Landmasters, 76-51.

This will be the second straight year that the two protagonists will clash in the finals. Last season, Prime Asia, still manned by the powerhouse UV Lancers, handily beat the CIT-U Wildcats, then fighting under the banner of KIA Motors.

Having swept their games both in the elimination and in the semifinal stage - all in convincing fashion - Prime Asia is again the heavy favorite to take home the coveted championship.

That is, of course, if San Marino couldn't weave one big miracle, which is all they need to slay a hardcourt giant in Prime Asia.

Out to bear that herculean mission for San Marino are the likes of Joshua de la Cerna, Allan Dimco, Vincent Menguito and Floyd Taboada among others.

They will go up against a formidable Prime Asia force powered by reigning CESAFI MVP Wowie Escocio, John Michael Abad, Chris Perolino, Raffy Oktubre, and their hardworking Nigerian recruit Steve Cedrick Akomo to name a few.

Game is set on Saturday, while the deciding Game 3, if necessary, will be played on Sunday. (FREEMAN)