Prime Asia-UV starts championship showdown against Kia Motors-CIT-U

Games today:

Cebu Coliseum

5 p.m. – Lion Tiger vs. San Marino

6:45 p.m. – Prime Asia vs. Kia Motors

The battle for the pre-season title commences today as the Kia Motors-Cebu Institute of Technology-University Wildcats try to keep their Cinderella-like run going against the reigning champs Prime Asia Pawnshop-University of the Visayas Green Lancers in Game 1 of the best-of-five finals series of the 6th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. Partner’s Cup at the Cebu Coliseum.

With a shallow field minus powerhouse Southwestern University and the University of San Carlos, the Wildcats have taken advantage and booked a seat to the finals of the for the first time in history after eking past the favored Lion Tiger Aerosols-University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars, 78-74, in their winner-take-all semifinals match last Saturday.

In stark contrast, the Green Lancers were all business as they swept the semifinals with a 61-52 win over San Marino Corned Tuna-University of Southern Philippines Foundation.

The odds are heavily stacked against the Kia Motors, especially with the huge frontline of UV bannered by rookie slotman Wowie Escosio, who is being flanked by Andrew Avillanoza, Chris Perolino and Raffy Octobre.

The UV backcourt is no slouch either with the presence of court generals Eman Calo, Phil Mercader and John Abad, all of whom have contributed heavily to the Green Lancers’ romp through the tournament.