SWU Cobras to join FilOil Flying V preseason tourney

The Southwestern University Cobras, reigning champions of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI), are slated to join the annual FilOil Flying V preseason tournament as a guest team this summer, the league announced via press release.

The team made headlines late last year, when, led by center Ben Mbala, the Cobras took part in the Collegiate Champions League as the Southern Islands representative.

Mbala's play was so impressive that he was able to secure a transfer to UAAP team De La Salle University Green Archers.

This time though, the Cobras will be reinforced by the presence of 6'10" Siewe Armel, whom the team hopes can have the same impact as Mbala.

SWU will be bracketed in Group B, along with UAAP titlists Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas, and University of the East, for the UAAP teams, as well as NCAA squads San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Arellano University, and the Emilio Aguinaldo College.

Group A meanwhile is comprised of reigning FilOil champs National University, with fellow UAAP teams Far Eastern University, University of the Philippines, and Adamson University. That side's NCAA teams include champions San Beda College, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, Arellano University, College of Saint Benilde, and Jose Rizal University.

The tournament is set to tip off on April 13, at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan. - AMD, GMA News