Cesafi finals between archrivals UV, SWU begins today

Games today:

Cebu Coliseum

(For Third)

5 p.m. – USC vs. USJ-R

(Game 1, Finals)

6:45 p.m. – SWU vs. UV

Is a repeat in the cards for the Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras? Or will redemption be finally at hand for the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers?

The answers to these questions will slowly come to the fore tonight as Cebu’s fiercest rivalry in collegiate basketball opens another chapter in their saga in Game 1 of the best-of-five finals in the 13th Cesafi men’s basketball tournament at what is expected to be a jampacked Cebu Coliseum.

The Cobras, undefeated in 12 games so far this season, hope that the 13th game of the season won’t offer them bad luck in their bid for back-to-back titles.

In order to do that though, they must hurdle the huge roadblock erected by the Lancers, a team bent on raining down vengeance upon the Cobras for the heartbreaking defeat they suffered in the finals last year – a loss that has had a domino-effect on this season as UV has not defeated SWU since that fateful series.

In the deciding Game Five of the said affair, the Lancers appeared to be headed towards the title as they led by 17 with just seven minutes to go. Alas, it was not meant to be as then-King Cobra Ben Mbala led SWU all the way back to win the game and the crown, 73-72.

With a retooled roster led by sensational guard Mark Jayven Tallo and hyperactive import Landry Sanjo along with holdovers Monbert Arong, Bernie Bregondo and Daryl Goloran, the Cobras hope to draw first blood in this series in Game 1 with tip-off slated at 6:45 p.m.

The Lancers on the other hand, seek to break the long losing spell and inject confidence into their campaign with a win today.

That sought-after victory though, will hinge largely on the production of reigning league MVP Wowie Escosio, who has been inconsistent against the physical defense of SWU’s frontline.

In addition, UV’s success will also lean on the efforts of preseason MVP John Abad and import Mike Nzuesseu along with shock troopers Rhaffy Octobre, Chris Perolino and Franz Arong.

Meanwhile, the best-of-three series for third place between the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars also begin today at 5 p.m.