Nationals test buildup in Lina cagefest

How far the Philippine men’s team has gone as far as its preparations for the South East Asian Games are concerned will be known this week when the Nationals compete in the Healthy Options-First Bert Lina-Jam Mercado Battle of the Champions beginning today at the RECS Sta. Cruz Complex.

Bannered by Metropolitan Basketball Association stalwarts Romel Adducul and John Ferriols, the Nationals will start their bid against the Wang’s Ball Club at 5 p.m.

In the first game at 2 p.m., Joonang University, a four-time champion of the National University Games in Seoul, South Korea, will have their hands full against the home team Laguna Lakers who emerged champion of the 7-nation Cheng Zhenggong Cup last year.

Drawing a bye in the five-day tournament organized by the Basketball Association of the Philippines and the National Basketball League, is the M. Lhuillier team of Cebu, champion of the National Inter-Club.

Legendary basketball great Shin Dong Pa, delegation head of the Korean team, will be planing in from Seoul tomorrow to lend support to the sweet-shooting visitors.