SOUTHWESTERN University (SWU)-Phinma head coach Mike Reyes is well aware of the fact that the championship will not be handed to them by the University of the Visayas (UV) in any way, shape or form when they clash in Game Two of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) men’s basketball finals at the Cebu Coliseum on Thursday, November 21, 2019.
If they want the crown, the Cobras realize that they have to grab it from the Green Lancers’ grasp. And in order to do this, Reyes said it has to take a concerted effort from every single member of the squad, and not just their starters.
“Our players are all aware that even if they are less skilled offensively, basta they execute our defense, they will be able to play,” said Reyes, as he tries to steer the Cobras to their first title since 2014. “The longer our bench players give our first group, the better our chances of getting the win.”
The Cobras are expecting nothing less than a dogfight as the Green Lancers try to extend the finals clash to a deciding Game Three.
SWU-Phinma pulled off a 70-66 win in the series-opener to move to within a win away from capturing the trophy and ending UV’s three-year reign.
Should there be a Game Three in either the high school or college divisions, this would be held on Friday, November 22, at the same venue.
Green Lancers head coach Gary Cortes was more succinct in his assessment of what they needed to do heading to Game Two.
“We just need to minimize our turnovers,” said Cortes.
In the high school division, the SHS-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles will also try to end the title reign of the University of Cebu Baby Webmasters.
They are just a win away after claiming the Game One victory, 74-69.
The Magis Eagles last held the championship in 2016. (SunStar Cebu)