Can the SWU-Phinma defense contain the likes of UV’s Gileant Delator? Game 1 of the Partner’s Cup finals is on Friday, August 2. CDN Digital photo | Jonas Panerio
Cebu City, Philippines—Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma head coach Mike Reyes is well aware of the daunting task that faces him and the rest of his Cobras in the finals of the 2019 Partner’s Cup preseason tournament.
Standing opposite them with the title at stake is the powerhouse University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers, a team synonymous with collegiate hoops greatness in the south.
Read more: SWU-Phinma advances to Partner’s Cup Finals
According to Reyes, beating the Green Lancers — which features a stacked roster bannered by Jancork Cabahug, Gileant Delator, Ted Saga, Sheldon Gahi, Michael Maestre, Melvin Butohan and African student-athlete, Lass Coulibally — will be a tall order that would need a strong effort from every member of the Cobras squad.
“We need all five players helping each other on all aspects of the game,” said Reyes, who actually got ejected from their second round match-up against the Green Lancers, which resulted in a 77-74 victory for the Cobras.
Read more: UV’s streak ends as SWU-Phinma chalks up come-from-behind win over reigning Cesafi champs
“We need to help each other to have a chance,” Reyes added.
With UV having the advantage in terms of size and strength, Reyes is strongly emphasizing the need to control the boards and limit the Green Lancers’ second chance opportunities.
Read more: UV makes it to Partner’s Cup Finals in style
Fortunately, the arrival of Senegalese student-athlete Lamine Thiam will greatly help.
“We lacked defensive rebounding in the past. Obviously, Lamine is taking care of that,” Reyes said.
Both teams start their showdown on Friday, August 1 at the Cebu Coliseum. /bmjo