Cobras take last chance for a win today

Games today (The Arena)

2 p.m. – SWU vs. UST

4 p.m. – Ateneo vs. San Beda

THE reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) champions, Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras, take one last swing at a win but will be hard-pressed to do so when they take on the red-hot University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers in the last day of the semifinal round of the 2012 Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) today at the Arena in San Juan City.

The Cobras has had the misfortune of losing their first two games in this tournament, and were booted out of contention. They first got beat by the NCAA titlists, San Beda, 72-73, before getting blown out by the UAAP rulers, Ateneo, 96-78.

Now, they must face off against a team that has beaten both of their tormentors in this tournament in the Growling Tigers. UST first took down their UAAP rivals, Ateneo, 76-66, before eking past San Beda the other day, 63-60.

The last win gave them a clean 2-0 (win-loss) record which propelled them to the finals which starts next week. Forward Aljon Mariano took it to his former alma mater as he scored 16 points to go with his six rebounds and one steal.

However, an animal cornered may just be the most dangerous one and the Cobras hope to play that role as they look to go out with a bang. For that to happen, Cameroonians, Ben Mbala and Justin Aboude must be able to stay out of foul trouble in order to contend with UST’s dangerous big man, Karim Abdul, the runner-up to the UAAP’s MVP award last season.

In the other game, San Beda and Ateneo play for the last finalscslot