Partner's Cup finals begins

CEBU, Philippines - Worthy/University of the Visayas Green Lancers and Mighty Sports/University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars begin their best-of-three showdown for the 8th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Partner's Cup title today at the Cebu Coliseum.

Game time is set at 7 p.m., right after the knockout battle for third place between Phinma/Southwestern University Cobras and Highlands Corned Beef/University of Cebu Webmasters at 5:15 p.m.

UV and USJ-R actually figured in a three-way tie with SWU on identical 2-1 win-loss records at the end of the round robin semis, but the Lancers and the Jaguars advanced to the finals by virtue of a higher tie-breaker applying the point differential system by FIBA.

It's going to be an interesting match-up, with UV and USJ-R carrying an even head-to-head record. The Lancers drew first blood via a 58-56 squeaker last May 25, while the Jaguars bounce back with a crucial 79-72 win last Sunday that vaulted them to the final round.

In their most latest encounter, the Jaguars of coach Jun Noel displayed superb form on both ends in the third quarter to establish as much as 18 points lead, 58-40.

The Lancers staged a daring fightback in the closing minutes but could only come close at 68-71 as the Jaguars responded with a 6-0 blitz to settle things.

Though dominant at the paint given their superior ceiling led by the 6-foot-6 Cameroonian Bassieru Sackor and sharpness from the 3-point land owing to the presence of Tristan Albino, Josue Segumpan and Rey Suerte, the Lancers must by wary of the Jaguars' quick transition play, deadly outside shooters and above all, never-say-die spirit.

Among the Jaguars to watch out for are the deadly triumvirate of Jaybee Mantilla, RJ Dinolan and Miguel Gastador. They could also count on the likes of Ricky Peromingan, Nelvin Navarra and Edmund Bayhonan.

The Gary Cortes-mentored Lancers, on the other hand, can rely on Michael Macion, Jerome Napao, Jason Balabag, John Soliva and flashy playmaker Sheldon Gahi to compliment Suerte and company.

Game 2 is set for Saturday, while Game 3, if necessary, will be played on Sunday. (FREEMAN)