Battle for survival in CESAFI

CEBU, Philippines - Four teams. Only two will survive.

That's the tough order in today's double knockout showdown in the juniors division of the 16th Cebu Basketball Association, Inc. men's basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum.

Toting a 2-0 record, the University of the Visayas Baby Lancers still need to complete a three-game sweep to advance into the finals without any complications.

With that, the Baby Lancers must brace for an all-out war against three-time defending champions Sacred School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles in their 5:15 p.m. duel.

  In the main match at 6:45 pm, the University of Cebu Junior Webmasters shoot for an all-important victory against the Cebu Eastern College Dragons to keep their final hopes alive.

 For the first time since they clinched a landmark CESAFI basketball title in 2012, the Magis Eagles are faced with a do-or-die situation and the Baby Lancers are standing on their way.

 Assuming that the Junior Webmasters will defeat the Dragons, the Magis Eagles must beat the Baby Lancers to forge a triple tie, and they need to win over UV by at least six points. That is the safest way for them to make a return trip to the finals for the fourth consecutive time and keep their bid for a historic grandslam alive.

   If ever they lose to the Baby Lancers, the Magis Eagles still have a chance to make it to the championship round and that is, if UC loses to CEC. (FREEMAN)