SWU begins stint in FilOil Flying V Premier Cup with game against powerhouse Ateneo

The Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras will finally make their much-awaited debut in the 7th FilOil Flying V Premier Cup as they take on the most successful collegiate basketball team of the decade, the feared Ateneo Blue Eagles, today at 6 p.m. at the Arena in San Juan City.

The Cobras’ participation in this tournament is a historic one as it marks the first time that a team outside of Manila is competing in the prestigious preseason tilt. SWU earned the invite after winning the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) men’s basketball championship and making a splash in the 2012 Philippine Collegiate Champions League last year.

SWU is also set to unveil its newest weapon and acquisition, 6-foot-11 center Fabrice Siewe, who was tapped to fill the void left by star forward Ben Mbala.

Mbala bolted for La Salle during the offseason.

Also making their debuts for the Cobras are Raymart Acuno, Melvin Holper and Francis Ortega along with the University of San Carlos transferees Mark Panerio, Nilton John Otida and Jabby Bautista.

Assistant coach Mike Reyes will be handling the reins of the squad in the absence of head coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba, who is still busy on the campaign trail in Cebu.

According to Reyes, they are familiar with the Ateneo players but wary of how brand new head coach Bo Perasol will utilize them.

“We really haven’t scouted the new system that he (Perasol) will employ,” said Reyes.

In spite the losses of Emman Monfort, Nico Salva and Greg Slaughter, the Blue Eagles remain a formidable squad led by Kiefer Ravena and Ryan Buenafe.

The other games in the triple-header today will feature the reigning champions National University facing off against the NCAA kings San Beda. La Salle battles PCCL champions University of Santo Tomas.