CEBU, Philippines - The Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras and the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers bring their scathing rivalry to higher grounds as they begin their best-of-five finals showdown for the 13th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men's basketball crown today at the Cebu Coliseum.
The Cobras and the Lancers will square off against each other at 6:45 pm, right after the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars will commence their race-to-2 series for the third place trophy at 5 pm.
Under the behest of legendary coach Raul "Yayoy" D. Alcoseba, the rampaging Cobras enjoy a psychological advantage owing to their immaculate 12-0 record spotlighted by three straight victory over the Lancers this season, the most latest was via a 77-70 decision last week.
It's the first time in recent memory that the Lancers, despite being equipped with a formidable lineup, have been beaten three times in succession by the same team and the Cobras proudly lay claim to that distinct honor.
The only consolation for the Lancers of coach Felix "Donbel" Belano, Jr., is that they did put up a gallant stand before dropping heart-breaking losses to SWU in games decided only in the closing minutes of the contest.
The problem with the Lancers lie on their predictable fightplan. While Steve Cerdrick Akomo has been used sparingly, there's no question about their other Cameroonian recruit Mike Harry Nzeusseu, who is giving all the best he possibly could even though he's always outclassed and outfoxed by his SWU counterpart in Landry Sanjo.
The main concern that the Lancers should address is their local mainstays because it seems that they have no one else to turn to except for their star playmaker John Abad in crucial moments when the game is on the line.
UV has the league's reigning MVP in Wowie Escosio, but he has yet to show the form that made him snare the most prestigious individual award last season. They are also loaded with reliable outside gunners and inside penetrators but the likes Francisco Arong, Arvie Cabañero, Benhur Villamor, Raffy Oktobre and Alfred Codilla have yet to deliver when it mattered most.
For the Cobras, aside from drawing stellar performance from the indefatigable Sanjo, they also enjoy spectacular showing from Mark Jayven Tallo, Monbert Arong and Mohammed Adam as well as their deadly frontcourt combo in Bernie Bregondo and Daryl Goloran.
It also appears that Southwestern U has deeper bench to count on in the mold of Mark Panerio, Francis Ortega, Jabe Bautista, Nilton John Otida, and Melvin Holper. At times he will be summoned when Sanjo needs to rest, SWU's standing giant Fabrice Siewe could also turn in points easily despite his relative inexperience because of his massive 6-foot-11, 265-pound frame.
But as they say, the championship battle is a completely different story as everything is now back to scratch for the two protagonists that have provided the most colorful and storied rivalry in the Cebu cagedom for the past six decades already.
"With regards to the 12-0 streak we have, it's gone. Everything is back to zero. I look at our team as the underdog since majority of our players are juniors and sophomores and no seniors while UV has many veteran players in their roster," said Alcoseba.
"In a best-of-5 series, there is no advantage we have. We should give our best in every game because no one will hand it to us on a silver platter. Expect every game a dogfight. I'm inviting all basketball aficionados who love to watch a high-quality basketball game between two great collegiate teams," he added.
Belano shared Alcoseba's sentiment. "The championship is altogether a different story. The keys to winning this series are proper execution of our gameplan, desire to play hard on defense, teamwork on offense, and trust with each other. More importantly, we should pray and ask for God's grace to give us this title," said Belano.
In the end, it will really boil down to the team with the bigger heart, stronger desire and hungrier will to win.
Meanwhile, expecting another surefire blockbuster finals, CESAFI commissioner Felix "Boy" O. Tiukinhoy, Jr. said stringent security measures are already in place to prevent any untoward incident from happening.
"Uniformed policemen will be scattered all over the Coliseum. We are also limiting the number of fans that will be coming in, meaning we will not be selling tickets beyond the 8,000 capacity of the playing venue. To ensure fair officiating, Manila referees from the NCAA will be coming over to officiate the games," said Tiukinhoy.
"More importantly, I am egging on the coaches of both sides not to lose their temper and always keep their cool. I know that they're mature enough though in dealing with any tough situation that may arise. I hope the coaches will be reminded that how they act during the game will also reflect on how their fans behave. At this point, I wish both teams the best of luck," Tiukinhoy added. (FREEMAN)