Panthers, Seahawks dispute Elite cage crown tonight

CEBU, Philippines - All roads lead to the Visayan Glass gym in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City as the Panthers and the Seahawks dispute the crown of the Elite Basketball Caging Season 6 in a knockout match at 6 p.m. today.

The Panthers punched a final ticket after dethroning the defending champion but No.4 seed Lions, while the Seahawks booked a championship berth after a 81-80 shocker over the second-ranked Rams.

Mark Panerio, former collegiate standout from the USC Warriors and SWU Cobras, and commercial mainstay Rory Paspi are expected to carry the scoring load for the Panthers, who are the heavy favorites.

The Panthers could also count on the likes of former MVP Neil Buot, big man Judy Dimitiman and defensive player of the season Ian Ocampo.

The Seahawks will try to counter the vaunted Panthers' lineup with streak-shooter Joirene Salcedo, Vince Ranile and Mythical Five first team member John Velasco.

The awarding ceremonies will be held right after the winner-take-all duel, with Armando de Jesus, the league's scoring champion, expected to crowned as the season's Most Valuable Player.  (FREEMAN)