Cebuano squads USC, UV set up q’final battle

THE remaining Cebuano teams in the 18th FilOil University Games are on a collision course in the quarterfinal round after the University of San Carlos Warriors blasted the University of San Agustin, 79-57, in their playoff game yesterday at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City.

The win by the Warriors sets up a quarterfinal showdown between them and the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) champions University of the Visayas Green Lancers, today at 11 a.m. at the same venue.

Right off the bat, the odds are clearly in UV’s favor after sweeping through their elimination round opponents which included a huge 94-84 win over the Ateneo-A squad bannered by collegiate stalwarts Kiefer “The Phenom” Ravena and Cebuano Jerie Marlon Pingoy, formerly of the University of Cebu.

However, USC skipper Nico Magat bared that the team is hopeful to pull off an upset especially with a roster bannered by athletic import, Ahmed Salihou and versatile players, Victor Rabat, Miguel Plata and Ian Ortega.

UV though, will be a hard nut to crack with the presence of such battle-tested veterans such as Mythical Five member, John Abad, 2012 Rookie of the Year-MVP Wowie Escosio and import, Steve Akomo. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio