UC tries to end title drought; UV wants to continue domination

ONE TEAM is angling for a repeat. The other seeks to restore its place atop the collegiate division of the Cesafi after a half-decade wait.

After today, one of those two teams will be a step closer to their goal as the reigning champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers face off against the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters in Game 1 of the best-of-three finals of the 17th Cesafi men’s basketball tournament at what is expected to be a jampacked Cebu Coliseum.

Tip-off is slated at 5 p.m. with the Green Lancers, who are riding the crest of an incredible 12-game winning streak, aiming to take a step closer towards capturing the school’s 12th collegiate crown.

In spite of their gaudy winning run, head coach Gary Cortes urged his wards to not let their guard down.

“Since they made it to the finals, it just means that they are a great team,” said Cortes.

Cortes said he wants his players to forget their winning streak and focus on the game at hand.

“Our players don’t pay any mind to how many wins we have. It’s always back to zero after every game.”

The Green Lancers actually have the Webmasters’ number this season, winning both elimination round games.

But UC’s local legend of a coach, Yayoy Alcoseba, believes his wards are capable of pulling an upset.

“The team has shown what it is capable of in our last few games. I have seen dramatic improvements in the boys. If we can flawlessly execute our game plan, play with a big heart and maintain composure despite being the underdogs, then we will surely be on our way,” said Alcoseba.