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The brand new season of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) basketball tournament will pick up where it left off as the opening game in the seniors division will feature a rematch of the brewing war that has been waged in the finals over the past two years.
The seven-time champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers will battle their nemesis, the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors in the main game when the league raises its curtains on August 2 at the Cebu Coliseum.
The change was announced on Tuesday during the screening of final rosters in both the senior and junior divisions, at the Rizal Hall of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF).
UV and USC battled in a classic five-game series last year, which the Lancers won for their unprecedented seventh title in as many years. UV also beat USC in 2006.
However, with the departure of key components to both squads, they have revitalized their rosters with new blood.
With big men Ariel Mepana, Rino Berame and Mike Luga gone from the lineup, the Lancers have decidedly gone smaller and quicker with the arrival of talented rookies and former junior MVPs Harold Cincoflores and Phil Mercader along with former USC defensive stalwart Ahman James Tagalog.
USC has also refurbished their powerhouse crew following the departure of former ace wingman Nino Ramirez and dependable forwards Earvin Feraren and Carlo Padayao.
Bannering their crop of new talent is 6-foot-4 Fil-Aussie wingman Emel Rowe, who had an impressive debut with 20 points in an exhibition game against the University of Cebu (UC).
They also have former USPF guard Jabby Bautista, Cid Cortes, Michael Cantonao, Nilton Otida and Fil-Am guard Alfred Vitug to add to an already potent lineup led by two-time MVP Enrico Llanto.
