Games today:
Cebu Coliseum
5 p.m. – SHS-AdC vs USJ-R
6:30 p.m. – USC vs USJ-R
After nearly falling to league minnows Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U), the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors try to get their act together when they face off against a much-dangerous opponent in the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars today in the 15th Cesafi men’s basketball competition at the Cebu Coliseum.
The Warriors trailed by as much as 18 points to the surprising Wildcats before rattling off a 23-5 run down the stretch to hack out an 83-75 victory.
They try for win number four and a share of the lead in the standings alongside the unbeaten University of the Visayas (UV) today in a must-watch game slated at 6:30 p.m.
In the juniors division, the two-time defending champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles gun for their fifth straight win when they lock horns with the USJ-R Baby Jaguars at 5 p.m.
So far, the boys in blue have played in peak form, racking up four wins in a row behind splendid performances from Andrew Velasco and Errol Pastor.
The Baby Jaguars, though, aim to put a monkey wrench in Ateneo de Cebu’s plans as they seek to improve on their 1-1 win-loss card.
The spotlight, however, is expected to shine bright on the collegiate clash between the Warriors and the Jaguars.
After losing to the defending titleholders Southwestern University (SWU) last Sunday, The Jaguars have found themselves outside of the top four with a 1-3 card.
They aim to remedy that today but will need a monster performance from star forward Kevin Villafranca to do that after the 6-foot-4 Negros-native managed just eight against the undersized frontline of the Cobras.
The Warriors, however, are sure to have other plans as they look to gain momentum heading to Saturday’s much-anticipated clash with the Green Lancers.
As expected, Cameroonian forward Shooster Olago will be at the center of the Warriors’ inside attack while Ian Tagapan and Ian Ortega man the perimeter duties.
Tagapan exploded for 29 against the CIT-U while Olago and Ortega added 16 and 13, respectively.