All systems go for CBA caging P400T at stake in cash-rich tourney

CEBU, Philippines - Swashbuckling double-header will usher in the inaugural season of the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Basketball Association (CBA) Tournament this Sunday afternoon at the Cebu Coliseum.

A joint venture of the Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) and the M. Lhuillier Group of Companies, the CBA tilt is touted as the richest commercial cage event in recent memory with a whopping P400,000 in cash prize at stake for the top performing squads.

In the season-opener, the Mandaue Landmasters will go up against the Ave Maria Sanctuary Park at 4 pm, while Hotel Fortuna will take on the floor against the Asian College of Technology (ACT) Cyber Knights in the main dish at 6: 30 pm.

In between the games, a grand kick-off bash will take place to be graced by Cebu City Mayor Michael L. Rama, sports commission chairman Edward Hayco, and league forerunner Raul "Yayoy" D. Alcoseba.

The other highlights of the affair are the selection of Miss CBA and production numbers from the ACT Dance Troupe and members of Dancesport-Team Cebu City.

Completing the list of title contenders are the Salazar College of Science and Institute of Technology (SCSIT) and the Talisay City selection.

They will play a single round robin format, with the top two earning automatic slots to the next round. The No.3 and No.4 qualifiers, on the other hand, will enjoy twice-to-beat incentives over the lower-ranked teams in the playoff phase.

The remaining four will then figure in another single round robin, with the top two slugging it out for the championship in a best-of-three affair.

The champion will take home P200,000, while the runner-up will pocket P100,000. The third and fourth placers will receive P60,000 and P40,000, respectively.

In a meeting yesterday at Yayoy's Grill and Resto Bar, Alcoseba and commissioner Boy Murillo reminded all coaches that each team shall be composed of only 14 members.

It was also noted by the group that players who will see action in the upcoming Liga Pilipinas will be barred outright from competing in the CBA.

Alcoseba further bared that at least five or six members of his M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala from the previous Liga conference will be dispersed and will be distributed evenly among the pioneering CBA entries. (FREEMAN)