UV, SWU resume rivalry slug it out for NCC Southern Islands title today

CEBU, Philippines - The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers and Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras blasted separate foes to arrange a grudge rematch for the Southern Islands title of the 2013 National Collegiate Championship (NCC) today at the Cebu Coliseum.

The UV Green Lancers easily wiped out an early 29-43 deficit then turned to a blistering 33-24 endgame rally to knock out the Holy Trinity College (HTC) Wildcats of General Santos City,100-80, while the SWU Cobras terminated the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors to set up the stage for another blockbuster showdown between the bitterest rivals in the annals of Cebu hoopdom.

The Lancers of coach Felix "Donbel" Belano, Jr. are seeking to reaffirm their dominance over the Cobras, whom they vanquished in their epic best-of-five final series to win the 13th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men's basketball championship.

It was indeed a monumental feat for the Lancers as they lost to the Cobras for five games in succession before completing what many thought a highly improbable comeback.

For undisclosed reasons, however, the Lancers will be playing without their Cameroonian star Mike Harry Nzeusseu.

Inspite of that, Belano is upbeat on their chances of repeating their mastery over the Cobras, who at this point may have already figured out what caused their sudden downfall that stunned many pundits.

"We will play like before, emphasizing on defense, heart and faith. We will again play as if there is no tomorrow," said Belano. "I told my players, this is PCCL (now known as the NCC), we have worked harder for this, and  we should aim for victory all the more."

Sans Nzeusseu, the Lancers will have to rely on Steve Cerdrick Akomo, their other foreign recruit, to provide leadership on their bunch of local stars led by the explosive tandem of John Abad and Wowie Escocio.

Skippered by Chris Perolino, the other UV reliables include Raffy Oktobre, Franz Arong, Alfred Codilla, Venhur Villamor, Vincent Mendoza, Arvie Cabañero, Miko Adam Marquez, Angelo Babia, Christian Fajardo, and promising rookie Leonard Santillan.

"I always remind them to play as a team and work doubly hard on all facets of the game. It's a tough challenge ahead but if they will just play with their hearts out and leave everything to God, nothing is impossible," said Belano.

Without the versatile Nzeusseu though, the odds are against Lancers as they go up against the formiable Southwestern U, which will again parade their Cameroonian twin towers Landry Sanjo and Fabrice Siewe to back up the Cobras equally-talented mainstays bannered by Monbert Arong, Mark Jayven Tallo, Mohammed Adam, Bernie Bregondo, and Daryl GolorAn.

When their services are needed, the Cobras of celebrated coach Raul "Yayoy" D. Alcoseba could also count on the likes of Mark Panerio, Jabby Bautista, Carlo Ortega, and Nelton John Otida. (FREEMAN)