University of the Visayas, Southwestern University fight for Cesafi men’s crown today

Game today:

Cebu Coliseum

5:30 p.m. – UV vs. SWU

Today will be the day it all ends as the University of the Visayas Green Lancers and the Southwestern University Cobras battle for one last time for the crown in the deciding Game Five of the 12th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. men’s basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum.

In spite of all the bickering between players, the comeback wins in this exciting series and the controversies about the schedule for this game, it has come down to this—one game for all the marbles for two powerhouse teams hungry for glory.

For UV, it is a chance to reclaim lost glory after losing out on the title for two straight years after winning the first nine in this league.

For SWU, the opportunity is there to claim its very first championship in the league after deciding to return to the collegiate tournament five years ago. SWU ruled the defunct Cebu Amateur Athletic Association (CAAA) in its very last season in 2000.

But the Cobras might have to go to war today without Cameroonian Ben Mbala, who according to head coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba, is suffering from a strained ligament in his knee.

Alcoseba reported this development late Thursday evening and added that the 6-foot-8 banger had an MRI and was still at the hospital yesterday for further tests.

But Alcoseba remained upbeat about his team’s chances for the title. “I’m very confident that we will win the championship,” he said. He also uttered that the recipe for success today will call for a “big heart, lots of luck and prayers.”

UV head coach, Felix “DonBel” Belano, on the other hand, was more specific with his plans for this do-or-die game.

On offense, he said that he wants more touches for Cameroonian Steve Akomo and Rookie of the Year-MVP Wowie Escosio. On defense, he wants his wards to defend the pick-and-roll well by switching on the guards. Lastly, he called for a good start and consistency of effort in the defensive end.

“We’re all ready. We were already ready to play last Thursday,” the former UV guard said.