Sea Lions, Patriots favored as UCAA caging kicks off

MANILA, Philippines - The Olivarez College Sea Lions and the De La Salle University-Dasmariñas Patriots, two of last year’s semifinalists, are among the favorites for the top honors when the 11th Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) men’s basketball tournament reels off today at the Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite gymnasium in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

 The Sea Lions, who will be mentored by Michael Saguiguit, and the Patriots, who will have a new coach in retired Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) star Macky Torres, emerged as the top contenders this season in the absence of last year’s champion Colegio de Sta. Monica and finalist Technological Institute of the Philippines, which both took a leave of absence.

UCAA president Azlie Guro of EAC-Cavite said they are welcoming the entry of four new members – Manuel L. Quezon University, Central Colleges of the Philippines, University of Assumption-Pampanga and Diliman Preparatory School. The new schools, according to Guro, were formally accepted during a board meeting which was held early this week.

The EAC-Cavite Vanguards open hostilities at 10 a.m. today against the Rey Red-coached UA-P Pelicans, after a simple opening ceremony to be attended by guest of honor Sen. Antonio Trillanes at 9 a.m.

The CCP Bobcats, to be handled by veteran mentor Elias Tolentino, take on the Olivarez College Sea Lions at 11:30 a.m.

while the Sherwin Crisostomo-coached MLQU Stallions battle the PSBA Jaguars of coach Philip Cezar at 1 p.m. in the tournament backed by Mikasa and Molten balls.

The La Salle Patriots drew a bye.

Diliman Preparatory School will make its presence felt in swimming, with Philippine Swimming League organizer Susan Papa, holding the league’s swimming meet on Oct. 8 in the DLSU-Dasmarinas.