USC Warriors seek to tighten grip of lead in CESAFI hoopla

CEBU, Philippines – The University of San Carlos Warriors hope to tighten their hold of the solo lead, even as they also try to reaffirm their dominance over the Cebu Institute of Technology-University Wildcats in the 15th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. men's basketball tournament today at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Warriors of coach Britt Reroma are currently on top of the heap with a 7-1 win-loss record, but their closest rivals University of the Visayas Green Lancers and defending champion Southwestern University Cobras are dangerously lurking behind them with identical 8-2 win-loss records.

After a long rest, the fully-charged Warriors are expected to continue their winning ways. They last saw action on September 6 where they hammered the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panthers, 100-72.

This time, the Warriors are looking for a repeat performance over the Wildcats, whom they beat by a mere eight points, 83-75, during their previous meeting last August 18.

To achieve that, the Warriors need to draw a stellar performances from their Cameroonian import  Shooster Olago and their reliable locals in Charles Pepito, Ian Tagapan, Ian Ortega, Victor Rabat, Nico Magat, Keifer Lim, and Giovanni Laguyo among others.

One thing for sure is that the Warriors cannot take their foes lightly as the Wildcats have a solid  cast that are capable of pulling off a major upset. Among them are Joshua de la Cerna, Alan Dimco, Jeffrey Taghoy, Mark Kong,  John Lucena, Marlo Pono, Steven Bucao, and Wilkin Sanchez.

Before USC takes on CIT-U at 6:45 p.m., the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles will go up against the UV Baby Lancers in a 5:15 p.m. duel kicking off the juniors division semifinals.

The Magis Eagles are eyeing to duplicate their masterful 73-64 triumph over the Baby Lancers exactly a month ago.

In completing an eight-game sweep during the elimination round, the Magis Eagles have shown great team effort. Led by the versatile Jed Colonia, coach Roel Rasmo could also count on Travis Mantua, Eroll Pastor, Andrew Velasco, Patrick Yu, Justin Javelosa, Alex Visser and Phil Calumpang to spark their charge on both ends of the court.

The Baby Lancers, on the other hand, heavily depends on Raul Jancork Cabahug, whose performance is a determining factor on their winning chances each game. For them to succeed, Cabahug needs support from  the likes of Ramish and Royce Alforque, Beirn Anthony Laurente, and Froiland Maglasang to name a few. (FREEMAN)