Rampaging Jaguars, Lancers collide in CESAFI today

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars hope to keep their unbeaten record intact but it would be a tall order for them as they take on the surging defending champion University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers in the 17th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men's basketball tournament today at the Cebu Coliseum.

While the Jaguars are on a three-game winning streak, the Lancers are also coming off three consecutive victories, making their 6:45 p.m. duel more exciting.

The Jaguars clobbered the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats (97-60) and the Southwestern University-Phinma (SWU) Cobras (103-88) but their weak spot was somehow exposed in their hard-earned 84-79 win over the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers last Saturday.

Tentative and inconsistent at times, the Jaguars cannot afford to play like that against the formidable Lancers, who have trampled on their foes since absorbing a shock 73-78 loss to the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors last August 6.

As usual, coach Jun Noel will count the most from Jaybie Mantilla, RJ Dinolan, Ricky Peromingan, Nelvin Navarra, Miguel Gastador and Albert5 Catiloc among others as the Jaguars bid to stretch their best ever start to 4-0.

They have a mountain to climb though against the Lancers, who, aside from having Liberian import Bassieru Sackor, also parade an army of talented locals led by reigning MBV Rey Suerte, Josue Segumpan, Tristan Albina, Jerome Napao, Jayson Balabag and Sheldon Gahi.

The Gary Cortes-mentored Lancers can also rely on Jan Monic Soliva, Colleen Testa, Ted Saga, Christian Bolano and Jossier Hassan as they try to seize the solo second spot currently held by the Jaguars.

Meanwhile, the Baby Lancers and the Baby Jaguars, both toting 3-0 cards, will fight for the solo lead in the juniors division when they clash in the 5:15 p.m. opener. (EBV) (FREEMAN)