FORMER rivals University of the Visayas and Southwestern University Cobras will take on each other anew as the second round of elimination of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. college basketball kicks off tonight at the Cebu Coliseum.

After losing their first two games, the Green Lancers of Coach Gary Cortes finally found their groove and ended the first round with a 3-3 record, while the Cobras of coach Mike Reyes have yet to find their footing.

The former champions are struggling at the bottom after winning only once in six games. After losing to the University of Cebu, 72-65, to end their first round campaign, the Cobras are hoping to get back on track in the second round to make it to the semifinals.

The top four teams after the double-round robin semis will advance to the semifinal round but if UC, the only undefeated team left, wins all its game, it will automatically advance to the finals.

Under that scenario, the No. 3 and No. 4 teams will face off for the right to play the No. 2 teams. The winner then will take on UC in the finals.

At 1-5, SWU needs to pile up victories to have a chance to make it in the final four but this year’s Cobras have been struggling. After winning over the Cebu Institute of Technology-University, 87-54, during their season-opener, the Cobras have lost five straight, including to UV during their initial encounter, 68-49.

Meanwhile, the University of Southern Philippines Panthers will try to boost its hold of the third spot as they shoot for their fifth win against the struggling Wild Cats. ESL of Superbalita