SHS-Ateneo, UC jrs. Clash with eyes on finals berth

CEBU, Philippines - The undefeated defending champion Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles and the University of Cebu Junior Webmasters shoot for a crucial win that would virtually assure them of a championship berth when they take on each other in the juniors division semifinals of the 15th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. men's basketball tournament today at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Magis Eagles are coming off a 69-45 thrashing of the University of the Visayas Baby Lancers, while the Junior Webmasters pulled off a 76-66 stunner over the fancied University of San Carlos Baby Warriors.

With a final berth at stake, both sides will surely give their best shot as they slug it out at 2:30 p.m., right after the Baby Lancers and the Baby Warriors battle for survive in the 1 p.m. opener.

Unscathed in nine games that bolstered their title retention bid, the Magis Eagles are heavily favored against the Junior Webmasters, whom they subdued via 76-62 decision during their August 30 duel.

This as coach Roel Rasmo has lots of offensive weapon at his disposal. Led by the well-rounded Jed Colonia, the Magis Eagles can also count on the likes of Eroll Pastor, Travis Mantua, Patrick Yu, Andrew Velasco and Renzo Calumpang among others.

The Junior Webmasters, on the other hand, pin their hopes on Froilan Mangubat, Jason Abejo, Jelmark Umpad, Luigi Gabisan and John Bryle Cuyos as they try to continue their giant-killing ways.

Earlier today, Raul Jancork Cabahug must draw substantial support from the rest of his teammates, much more that the Baby Lancers are going up against the solid fighting force in the Baby Warriors.

It is interesting to note though that the two protagonists figured in a nerve-wracking battle during their first meeting last September 5 where the Baby Warriors escaped with a 83-79 win.

In the collegiate division, the UC Webmasters will try to keep their Final 4 bid alive as they take on the Southwestern University Cobras at 4:30 p.m., while the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panthers hope to catch that elusive victory but they have another mountain to climb as they go up against the Cebu Institute of Technology-University Wildcats at 5:30 p.m. (FREEMAN)