Games today
Cebu Coliseum
5 p.m.- USPF vs CEC
6:30 p.m.- UV vs USJ-R
After getting their first win this season without even breaking a sweat following a default win, the multi-titled University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers make their season debut when they take on the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars in the 15th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) men’s basketball tournament today at the Cebu Coliseum.
UV, the team with the most titles in the league, registered its first win via default after the Cebu Institute of Technology-University Wildcats failed to submit their electrocardiogram results on time last Sunday.
A second win though, will not come easy especially against a rejigged Jaguars squad that easily won against the University of Cebu Webmasters, 85-68, during opening day.
Still, the odds are stacked in the Lancers’ favor owing to their deep and experienced lineup. Back in their fold are the battle-tested Cameroonian, Steve Akomo, forward Arvie Cabanero and Vincent Mendoza. They will join a core led by Jun Kent Manzo, Alwyn Aguirre, Franz Arong, Alfred Codilla and Batang Gilas member Leonard Santillan.
USJ-R is expected to counter with Kevin Villafranca, a crafty power forward who made the Mythical Five team last season.
The 6-foot-5 Negros Oriental-native notched a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds in their first game and worked well with Macmac Labares, who had a splendid showing of 15 points, three boards and two steals.
In the juniors division, the Cebu Eastern College Dragons open their season against the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation (USP-F) Baby Panthers.
USPF, last season’s third-placers, got clipped by the two-time defending champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles on Tuesday, 55-68.