St. Francis, PCCr take openers

MANILA, Philippines - Saint Francis of Assisi College turned back Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntilupa, 81-69, and Philippine College of Criminology routed National College of Business Administration, 80-63, Wednesday at the start of the third Universities and Colleges of Luzon Athletic Association basketball tournament at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.

Las Piñas College edged De Ocampo Memorial, 95-88, in another collegiate match while University of the East ripped Kings Montessori, 100-55, in the lone juniors game.

Scheduled matches next at the NCBA Fairview gym pit Saint Dominic Savio College versus PCCr juniors, NCBA against SDSC.

Format will be a single round elimination with the top two teams advancing to the semifinals holding 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.

Local officials led by Muntinlupa Mayor Aldrin San Pedro and Rep. Rodolfo Biazon graced the opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. UCLAA head Art Oñas declared the tournament open.

The opening ceremony was spiced up by a cultural dance from Kasibulan and street dance from Campustyle. The PLMU Chorale sang the National Anthem and Dr. Fe Nazareno delivered the welcome remarks.

Dr. Gerardo Crespo recited the prayer-doxology, June Crespo lit the torch, and Stephen Mark Dagohoy led the oath of sportsmanship.