Warriors shoot for solo second spot in CESAFI

CEBU, Philippines - The well-rested University of San Carlos Warriors shoot for the solo second spot when they take on the Cebu Institute of Technology-University  Wildcats today in the 14th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc.  men's basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum.

In the main collegiate match-up scheduled at 5:30 p.m., the struggling defending champion University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers hope to recover from their worst ever 1-3 start when they battle the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars.

The Warriors, coming off an impressive 83-74 victory in overtime against the Lancers last August 9, are the apparent favorites against the Wildcats.

Aside from their one-week break that has given them ample time to rest, they will also parade a healthy reinforcement in Espoir Toyambi, who did not finish the game against UV with legs cramps.

In partnership with the hardworking Shooster Olago, the Warriors could be a crushing force at the low post and the rest of their teammates will be part of tonight's juggernauts as the they aim for their second win in three starts.

The Warriors and the Wildcats have one thing in common. They are both victors against the Lancers.

The strongest unit that the Wildcats could offer to sustain the 40-minute skirmish are their starting five composed of top gunner Joshua de la Cerna, Allan Dimco, Jose Marlo Pono, Franklyn Batiquin and Jeffrey Taghoy.

But considering that CIT-U is without a foreign player, the Warriors must have something in mind on how to handle the Wildcats.

On the other hand, the Warriors have been showing huge improvement that raised speculations that they are indeed a title contender this year.

They have almost filled up all positions that are essential to their team chemistry - good point guard, good shooters and big forwards that can provide more muscles.

Nico Magat, Christian Laude, Victor Rabat and Ian Ortega are dangerous when left open, Charles Pepito can help in defense and rebounding while young pointguard Kiefer Lim has shown significant improvement in quarterbacking.

Meanwhile, two high school matches are also up this afternoon, with the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Baby Panthers and the University of Cebu  Junior Webmasters hoping to pick up another win.

The Baby Panthers are pitted with the lowly Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC) Greywolves, while the surging Junior Webmasters will face the CIT-U Wildkittens. (FREEMAN)