Lancers gun for top spot; Jaguars seek semis berth

CEBU, Philippines -  The University of the Visayas Green Lancers train their sights on the top spot, while the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars shoot for a semifinal berth as the double round elimination of the 15th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. men's basketball tournament winds up today at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Lancers will go up against the Southwestern University Cobras in the main match at 3:30 p.m, right after the Jaguars figure in a do-or-die match against the University of Cebu Webmasters in the 2 p.m. opener.

A victory by the Lancers would put them in a tie with the University of San Carlos at 10-2 win-loss cards, but UV will gain the top seeding courtesy of their 74-43 massacre of the Warriors last September 20.

For the Cobras, they are already assured of a Final Four berth regardless of the outcome with a 7-4 slate, leaving the Jaguars in a must-win situation against the Webmasters to barge into the semis without any complications.

That is because a loss by USJ-R would create a triple tie among the Jaguars, the Webmasters and the Cebu Institute of Technology-University Wildcats at 5-7 win-loss records.

Should that happen, the Wildcats have the brightest chance of advancing into the next round. That is because UC won by forfeiture against USJ-R during their first meeting, while the Wildcats scored a two-game sweep of the Webmasters this season.

On the other hand, the juniors division is already in its final stage but the best-of-three title series between the undefeated defending champion Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles and the UC Junior Webmasters will commence on September 29 yet.— EBV (FREEMAN)