Warriors eye first round sweep

CEBU, Philippines – The University of San Carlos Warriors and their juniors division comrades hope to extend their unbeaten streaks as games in the 15th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. men’s basketball tournament resume today at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Warriors target a six-game first round sweep when they collide with the University of Cebu Webmasters in the main attraction at 6:45 p.m., right after the Baby Warriors, seeking for their fourth consecutive victory, take on the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Baby Panthers in the opener at 5:15 p.m.

The Warriors are coming off a masterful  89-79 conquest of the University of the Visayas Green Lancers that installed them as the solo leader with an unblemished 5-0 slate.

That sizzling run is expected to continue as they are ranged against a lightweight opponent in the Webmasters, who are toting an even 2-2 record.

With the way they handled the Lancers, the Warriors have shown that they are indeed the strongest championship contender in this year’s season of Cebu’s premiere inter-school athletic league.

The Warriors actually blew hot and cold during that battle of league giants, but thanks to the amazing third-quarter performance of Ian Tagapan and the endgame foray of Shooster Olago and Charles Pepito, they safely sailed to triumph.

Aside from their vaunted triumvirate, the Warriors also have reliable snipers in Nico Magat, Victor Rabat, and Ian Ortega, while Giovanni Laguyo and Christian Maconodico could provide them a smooth backcourt operation. Giving them added firepower at the post are Fil-Australian William McAloney, Dolan Adlwan and Maverick Suarez.

The Webmasters, on the other hand, will rely on the likes of Melvin Butohan, John Calvin  Jabello, Joseph Mayol, Clint Suelto, Justine Dacalos and Filvenson Culango among others.

But given their smaller lineup that is without a legitimate center and foreign reinforcement, they need more than a miracle to slay a goliath in the Warriors. (FREEMAN)