CEBU, Philippines – After seven months of inactivity, the Cebu Eastern College Alumni Basketball Association (CECABA) All-Stars plunge back into hardcourt action as they take on the reigning Inter-BPO champion Teletech Titans in an exhibition match at 1 pm tomorrow at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.
Aside from dealing with younger legs, the CECABA stars also have to contend with a bunch of sharp-shooters from the Inter-BPO led by 3-point artists Glenn Mangubat of Qualfon, Ronald Canoy of Wipro and Mike Palmere of Aegis People Support.
They are expected to give CECABA's feared marksman Chester C. Cokaliong a tough challenge in the shooting contests that will serve as appetizer to the main showdown.
Cokaliong is gunning for his 21st 3-point crown. The sports-minded shipping magnate will also compete in the 2-ball contest alongside his brother Christopher where they are aiming for their fourth title.
Overall, Cokaliong has already compiled 15 2-ball championships and 13 All-Star MVP trophies.
Cokaliong, an eight-time CECABA scoring champion, will surely be at the forefront of the Easternians' quest for another glory, this time against the younger but unpredictable Titans.
Cokaliong will play alongside Zotico Tan, Wilson Yu, Joel Chan, Richard Yu, Ryan Alexis Mendez, Richard Lanutan, Dean Dy Teves, Mark Bukiron and Earn Saguindel, one of the most outstanding cage stars CEC has ever produced.
During their last tour of duty, CECABA lost to the Guadalupe Athletic Association (GAA) selection, 97-109, on March 14.
It was CECABA's only sixth defeat in 25 games spiked with one draw since they engaged in goodwill matches that started off with a 93-77 rout of the Rama Boys on November 16, 2003.
Teletech, on the other hand, will be manned by last year's Inter-BPO MVP Lourenz Limpangog, Laurenz Sultan, Noel Clemente, Jude Indolos, Ivan Rodis, Fidel Tejam, Raul Cabahug IV, Shm Banua, Jefferson Martin, Michael Dalangin, Sherwin Anghay, Dodge Bugtai, Ronald Mata and Jomar Lesigues. (FREEMAN)