THE Southwestern University-Phinma Cobras will renew their rivalry with the three-time defending champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers as the two teams clash for the lead in the standings in the Cesafi men’s basketball tournament on Thursday, September 26, at the Cebu Coliseum.
At 3-0 (win-loss), the Cobras have lived up to the hype generated by their title triumph in the preseason Partner’s Cup, a win that actually came at the Green Lancers’ expense.
SWU-Phinma head coach Mike Reyes said that if his team wants to remain successful against the formidable UV squad, they must continue to help one another out.
“We have to continue helping each other in all aspects of the game,” said the grizzled veteran coach, who would have a veteran core to rely with the likes of William Polican, Red Cachuela, Dyll Roncal and Shaquille Imperial, as well as talented Senegalese wingman, Lamine Thiam.
UV on the other hand, wants to keep its cards close to its chest, with head coach Gary Cortes choosing to treat this game with as little fanfare as possible.
“The game is the same as some of our games. We will just play our normal game,” said Cortes.
UV’s backcourt will continue to rely on veteran court general Gileant Delator who strung up eight points, nine rebounds, four assists and five steals in their 76-56 win over the University of San Jose-Recoletos last Tuesday. The Green Lancers have been beset by injuries to its points guards, Gabriel Cometa and Sheldon Gahi.
Meanwhile, in the high school division, two struggling teams would be looking to get on the right track as the Don Bosco Greywolves battle the University of San Carlos Baby Warriors. (SunStar Cebu)