Heavy bill opens 3rd UCLAA tilt

MANILA, Philippines - Host Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa faces St. Francis of Assisi, Philippine College of Criminology battles National College of Business Administration, and De Ocampo Memorial takes on Las Piñas College when the third Universities and Colleges of Luzon Athletic Association basketball tournament unfolds today at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.

NCBA squares off with the Kings in the lone junior match.

Games start at 10 a.m. Format will be a single round elimination with the top two teams advancing to the semifinals with a twice-to-beat advantage. The No. 3 team then plays No. 6 and No. 4 takes on No. 5 in a knockout to complete the Final Four.

The finals will be a best-of-three affair.

Prominent sports personalities and local officials led by Muntinlupa Mayor Aldrin San Pedro and Rep. Rodolfo Biazon will grace opening ceremonies at 9 a.m.

San Pedro and Biazon will make the ceremonial toss to be assisted by UCLAA head Art Oñas, who will declare the tournament open.

The competing teams with their muses will parade during the opening ceremony to be spiced up by a cultural dance from Kasibulan and street dance from Campustyle. The PLMU Chorale will sing the National Anthem and Dr. Fe Nazareno will deliver the welcome remarks.

Dr. Gerardo Crespo will deliver the prayer-doxology, June Crespo will light the torch, and Stephen Mark Dagohoy will recite the oath of sportsmanship.