PYBL kicks off today, showcases young talents

Eight teams, including defending champion Boysen-MLQU, open their respective bids as the first Crystal Spring PYBL Title Cup kicks off today at the Makati Coliseum.

Boysen-MLQU, led by last season’s MVP Edilito Saygo and power forward Theody Habelito, is heavily favored over newcomer Whiz Super Oil Treatment in the main match at 10:45 a.m.

Pampanga-based University of Assumption battles Gringo Express-Konica in the 9 a.m. opener.

PBL commissioner Chino Trinidad, along with PYBL commissioner Perry Martinez and PBL deputy commissioner Tommy Ong, will grace the opening rites at 8:30 a.m. to be highlighted by the traditional parade of teams.

"The field may be down to just eight, but we expect the competition to be a lot tougher. What makes this second conference more exciting is the new batch of future superstars out to make their mark in the PYBL," said Martinez.

The other four teams in the event are Spring Cooking Oil, National University, University of the Philippines and Regent Cheeseballs — tagged as one of the strong title contenders this conference.

Meanwhile, Challenge Cup champion Shark Energy Drink and Ana Freezers hope to keep their hold of the top spots as they tackle separate rivals later in the day in the PBL Chairman’s Cup in the same venue.

Shark guns for its sixth win in a row as it clashes with Ateneo-Pioneer at 4 p.m. while Ana Freezers tries to extends its winning streak to five when it collides with Osaka Iridology at 2 p.m.

Fresh from a 62-55 triumph over Hapee Toothpaste, Shark coach Leo Austria sees Ateneo-Pioneer as another big test to gauge his wards’ character and consistency.