Heavyweight showdown

Games today (Cebu Coliseum)

5:15 p.m. USPF vs SWU (jrs.)

6:45 p.m. UV vs SWU (srs.)

CEBU, Philippines - Both sporting unblemished 5-0 records, it appears that the University of the Visayas Green Lancers and the Southwestern University-Phinma Cobras are bound to write another chapter of their storied rivalry.

If so, that will begin today when the Lancers and Cobras clash head-on for the first time this season.

At stake in their 6:45 p.m. battle at the Cebu Coliseum is the solo leadership in the seniors division of the 16th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. men's basketball tournament.

It will surely be an exciting showdown of league heavyweights who have underwent a massive buildup last summer although in different ways.

  While the Cobras of coach Raul "Yayoy" D. Alcoseba silently worked their way out, the Gary Cortes-mentored Lancers toughened up by joining various pocket tournaments including in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Aside from the match-up of imports in Bassieru Sackor of UV and Quentin Luzoladio of SWU, the fans must also watch out for the collision of top rookies from both side.

The Lancers have the sharp-shooting Tristan Albina and flashy guard Sheldon Gahi, while the Cobras have Sir Shaquille Imperial, William Polican, Arnel Molina and William Bravo.

Still, the two protagonists will count the most from their local mainstays that have been the backbone of their solid showing so far.

 Led by veteran sentinels Alfred Codilla and Rey Suerte and the ever reliable team captain Josue Segumpan, the Lancers will also parade Jerome Napao, Jayson Balabag, Michael Macion, Jan Monic Soliva and Michael Maestre among their frontliners.

With two-time MVP Mark Jayven Tallo at the helm of their offensive arsenal, the Cobras could also pin their hopes on Bernie Bregondo, Jovannie Luz, Mark Racho, Anton Pardo, Kier Clam and Caesar Ian Ortega, their prized catch from USC.

In the first game at 5:15 pm, the SWU Baby Cobras hope to improve their 2-3 record then they take on the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Baby Panthers, who are still winless in four starts. (FREEMAN)