Magis Eagles to kick off grandslam quest today

CEBU, Philippines - Two-time defending champion Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles will begin their quest for a historic grandslam feat as they take on the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Baby Panthers in the 16th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men's basketball tournament today at the Cebu Coliseum.

Game time is set at 5:15 p.m., with the Magis Eagles of coach Rommel Rasmo stepping on the floor as the heavy favorites having still the formidable lineup that swept the CESAFI junior titles in the past two years.

Led by the versatile Jed Colina, the Jesuit-backed squad boasts of an armory of talents on both ends of the court. Travis Mantua, Phil Renzo Calumpang and Patrick Yu form part of their dreaded backcourt, while Andrew Velasco, Justin Javelosa, Eroll Pastor, Alex Visser, Christian Manaytay and Benedict Andrei Chua  are al a force to reckon with at the shaded lane.

Completing SHS-Ateneo's roster are Michael Cutamora, Ramon Lapiña, Eric Tuadles, Emilio Nacua, and John Benedict Yu.

On the Baby Panthers' side, coach Albert Alocillo will parade a relative young crop led by Gabriel George Cometa, Anthony Xander Cabatingan, Dennis Archival, Rhon Nalo, John Joseph Evardo and Johannes Miguel Orillameda.

Also in the Baby Panthers' fold are Joepel Ducay, Christopher Isabelo, Kyle Ocavo, Harvelle Sandoval, Ericson Sanjorjo, Renzjunriel Ugbaniel, Winston Ynot, and Kinchie Sullano.

On the other hand, the University of Cebu Webmasters and the USPF Panthers both seek for their first win when they collide in the lone collegiate match at 6:45 p.m.

The Webmasters hope to bounce back from their season-opening 65-71 loss to the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars, while the Panthers will try to kick off their campaign with a bang. — EBV (FREEMAN)