Mayor Rama Collegiate Basketball Invitational starts today

Games today (Cebu Coliseum)

5 p.m. – FEU vs. UV

7 p.m. – SWU vs. Mapua

THE Southwestern University Cobras’ build-up towards their title defense in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) reach fever-pitch today as they take on the NCAA’s Mapua Cardinals in the opening playdate of the Mayor Michael Rama Collegiate Invitational basketball tournament today at the Cebu Coliseum.

Today’s double-header will also see the recent Partner’s Cup champions University of the Visayas Green Lancers battle the UAAP’s Far Eastern University Tamaraws, in the curtain-raiser set at 5 p.m.

Focus though, remains on the reigning Cesafi champions, which has revamped nearly their entire line-up following the losses of key personnel. After losing their prized import Ben Mbala to the La Salle Green Archers during the offseason, the Cobras reloaded by recruiting 6-foot-11 Fabrice Siewe and 6-foot-8 beanpole Landry Sanjo.

They have also beefed up their thin backcourt with blue chippers such as former Green Archer Mark Jayven Tallo, former University of San Carlos court generals Jabby Bautista and Mark Panerio along with Fil-Canadian Adam Mohammed.

Today, SWU faces a Mapua squad coached by PBA legend Atoy Co and led by Gab Banal and Josan Nimes. The two squads are no strangers to one another having faced off in several preseason games here last year.

Meanwhile, the Tamaraws will be coming in from Bogo City, fresh from their week-long team building session. FEU will be coming in with their full roster featuring the likes of former UAAP MVP RR Garcia and spitfire guard Terrence Romeo. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio