UC, Don Bosco in sudden-death duel

CEBU, Philippines - Expect a suspense-filled action as the University of Cebu Junior Webmasters and the Don Bosco Technology Center Greywolves figure in a knockout match for the last semifinal spot in the juniors division of the 16th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. men's basketball tournament today at the Cebu Coliseum.

Game time is set at 5:15 pm, with the winner joining three-time defending champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles, University of the Visayas Baby Lancers and the Cebu Eastern College Dragons in the Final Four showdown next week.

For coming out as the No.4 seed at the end of the elimination round, UC has a twice-to-beat advantage but the Greywolves lived and fight for another day after pulling off a vengeful 77-64 win over the Junior Webmasters last Tuesday.

Overall this season, they now have an even head-to-head record at one game apiece, with the Junior Webmasters drawing first blood, 69-60.

In those instances, the Greywolves always built a huge lead only to suffer an offensive meltdown towards the end. They fell short at first, but pulled it off the second time around.

In their previous encounter, the Greywolves lost as much as 22 points lead early in the third quarter, allowing the Junior Webmasters to crawl within just seven points. The Bosconians though let loose a steady endgame assault to secure a 13-point triumph.

As they clash for ther third time, the Greywolves must lay down a consistent play for 40 minutes to fulfill their historic semifinal bid.

They rely heavily on Al Mendez, Juan Miguel de la Torre, John Damolo, Ken Gato, Jomari Ranuco, Grenal Malubay and Geo Ibero to achieve that goal.

The Junior Webmasters, on the other hand, pin their hopes on Gelmart Umpad, John Cuyos, Luigi Gabisan, Yannick Enriquez, Jumike Casera and Jason Abejo to keep their season alive. (FREEMAN)