Scathing UV-SWU rivalryenters round 3 in CESAFI

CEBU, Philippines - For how long the Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras stay unbeaten, it's up for the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers to provide the answer.

The league's arc-nemesis will enter the third round of their scathing rivalry in the semifinals of the 13th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men's basketball tournament today at the Cebu Coliseum.

The undefeated Cobras and the Lancers will slug it out in the main game at 6:45 pm, right after the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors seek a repeat win over the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars in the 5 pm opener.

The Cobras enjoy a morale-boosting 2-0 lead over the Lancers this season, but they must not flirt with complacency as they prevailed in both games by just four points in closely-fought battles decided only in the closing minutes of play.

During their first encounter last August 17, the Cobras drew first blood, 70-66, then reaffirmed their mastery over the Lancers with a 68-64 win in the first round of semis last September 10.

The two protagonists also met contrasting fates in their previous games. The Cobras easily came up with a 69-49 rout of the Jaguars, while the Lancers had to rely on the endgame heroics of ace playmaker John Abado to squeeze out a 64-61 decision against the brave Warriors.

Now that their paths will cross again, the Cobras of legendary coach Raul "Yayoy" D. Alcoseba are again slightly favored owing to its plethora of talents that could explode at any given time.

Led by Cameroonian banger Landry Sanjo and prolific guards in Mark Jayven Tallo and Mobert Arong, the Cobras could also rely on Daryl Goloran, Mohammed Adam, and Bernie Bregondo.

Southwestern U also has a six-foot-11 giant in Febrice Siewe and a slew of reliable second-stringer in Francis Ortega, Melvin Holper, Jabe Bautista, Mark Panerio and Nilton John Otida.

Without doubt, the Lancers of coach Felix "Donbel" Belano, Jr. are also a talented squad, but their pattern of offense is readable as it is highly concentrated of their hardworking Cameroonian recruit Mike Harry Nzeusseu and spunky playmaker John Abad.

Wowie Escocio has yet to show the element that made him last year's MVP and unless he steps up bigtime as well as the likes of Steve Cedrick Akomo, Chris Perolino, Raffy Octobre, Vincent Mendoza, Arvie Cabañero and Francisco Arong, the Lancers will find it hard to vanquish the Cobras, who are riding on the crest of a 10-game winning streak. — with  GGM (FREEMAN)