UV eyes 5-0 start

NINE-TIME winner University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers and defending champions University of Cebu Webmasters finally face off in the elimination round of the 2012 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) College basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum tonight.

In the high school division, Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles will shoot for their sixth consecutive win against the struggling University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers at 5 p.m.

UC is at 2-2, while UV is undefeated with a 4-0 record and needs to win one on its last two games to secure an automatic slot to the semifinal round.

No longer tagged as one of the favorites, UC seems to play best with no pressure as it would give their cold-blooded shooters more reasons to hit their shots from all angles.

The Webmasters are also stepping into this game with a very high morale as it waylaid its previous opponents—the other top title contender Southwestern University Cobras, who had the size and height advantage.

The Lancers, however, are no pushovers and are well-equipped down to their 15th man on the roster. UV also has six tall players who can run, finish a fastbreak, play low post and score at will, while the rest are tall and quick guards who can deliver points for UV.

Aside from Steve Cedrick Akomo and Hernal “Wowie” Escocio, UV coach Felix “Donbel” Belano Jr. has one more ace in his line-up – Emmanuel Calo, an underrated guard who can provide the Lancers the spark whether in scoring and defense.

UC coach Roehl Gomez on the other hand, has the indefatigable Quinton Brian Heruela to count on in both offense and defense.