AquaStars take a shot for the lead; Mandaue acquires champion coach 

DEFENDING champions Talisay City AquaStars will try to impose its dominance in the First District as they visit Naga City Electrifiers in the resumption of the Cebu Governor’s Cup 2019 – Inter-Cities/Municipalities 21-Under basketball tournament at the Enan Chiong Activity Center in Naga City at 7:30 tonight.

Both teams had a rousing starts, beating their separate foes last Saturday in Talisay City. The Aquastars pulled a 30-point victory 96-66 over its last year’s South Division opponent Sibonga Pillars while the Electrifiers dealt Carcar City Lechoneros with a 77-61 beatings, and tonight’s game will determine who will get the early leadership for the two slots for the first district teams.

Eyeing to gain share of the early leadership are the inaugural champions Minglanilla Archangels who will be playing the Lechoneros at 6PM and the Pillars will be shooting for the W against the San Fernando Spartans at 4:30 PM. The Archangels defeated the Spartans 73-69 last Saturday.

The early leadership in the second district is also at stake when the Siempre Samboan plays Argao in the opening game at 4:30 PM in Oslob Municipal gym. Samboan defeated 79-78 in the opening day while Argao survived the end game attempts of the home team Oslob Whale Sharks for a 63-59 win.

Alcoy Siloy is also shooting for its second win in as many games when they play Boljoon on the second game at 6PM while Oslob will shoot to make the winner’s column against Santander in the main game at 7:30PM.

Meanwhile, Mandaue City will debut against its arch nemesis Consolacion Sarok in the lone game for the sixth district competition. Consolacion debuted with an 85-78 win over Cordova last Saturday and they will be facing the home team which will be parading not only a different line-up but a new bench tactician as well.

Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) grand slam winning coach Gary Cortes is now calling the shots of Mandaue City in hopes to advance the team beyond the North Division championship.

The other games include Barili (0-0) hosting Tuburan (0-1) in the lone 3rd district game in the municipality of Barili; Carmen (1-0) playing Sogod (1-0) and Borbon (0-1) hosting Catmon (0-1) in Borbon Municipal Gym; Dumanjug (1-0) taking on Moalboal (1-0) and Alcantara (0-1) will host Ronda (0-1) in the 7th Districts Bracket A competition while Ginatilan (0-0) plays Alegria (0-0) and Malabuyoc (0-0) plays host team Badian (0-0) as the actions in 7th District Bracket B starts tonight in Badian Municipal Gym.