A most unlikely battle for first place ensues today as the former nine-time titlists University of the Visayas Green Lancers clash with the surprising University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars in the 12th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. men’s basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum.
While the Green Lancers were more or less expected to be at the top of the hill due to their deep and talented roster, the Jaguars have been the Cinderellas of the tournament, winning three straight games including one over title-favorites, Southwestern University.
Interestingly, USJ-R was the only team to deal UV a loss in the preseason tournament.
With the two teams toting identical 3-0 (win-loss) records, one will rise and one will fall today in the game scheduled at 5:30 p.m.
Long considered to be the cream of the crop in collegiate basketball in the south, UV arguably got even better with the addition of lanky and energetic Cameroonian center Steve Cedric Akomo.
The usual suspects are still around for the men in green led by senior guards Phil Mercader, John Abad and Eman Calo, who combines with a lethally loaded frontcourt bannered by Akomo, prized rookie Wowie Escosio, Andrew Avillanoza and Jerome Silva.
USJ-R pins its hopes on Abulaiz Suliman, Matthew Parker, Miguel Tabaloc along with guards James Regalado, Banjo Capilar and Jet dela Rama. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio