Four matches kick off Juniors cagefest

MANILA, Philippines - Two top-notch matches, featuring three champion teams from the country’s premier leagues, highlight the start of the First Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) today at The Arena in San Juan.

Newly crowned UAAP champion Far Eastern University-Diliman takes on reigning Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTLBA) titlist Chiang Kai Shel College at 9:30 a.m. in what promises to be a slambang duel between two of the fancied teams in the league.

San Beda College, fresh from winning its fourth straight title and a record 20th overall NCAA championship, collides with MMTLBA runner-up Hope Christian High School at 10:45 a.m.

The Red Cubs hope to re-display their superb form they showed in sweeping the San Sebastian Staglets in their recent best-of-three title series. 

The next two games of the heavy four-game schedule will be determined through drawing of lots with last year’s UAAP champion National University and SSC also expected to see action in the tournament sponsored by Ironcon Builders, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Wrangler, Dickies Underwear, MEC Networks, Blackwater Sports, Hapee Toothpaste, and Welcoat.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios and The STAR columnist Quinito Henson have been invited to grace the opening ceremony that starts at 8 a.m.

National University Pep Squad, which finished third in the recent UAAP cheer-dance contest will provide entertainment. A drum line presentation by Letran Band will usher the parade of teams with their respective muses.

League chairman Dr. Cecilio Pedro of Hapee will deliver the opening remarks while vice chairman Dioceldo Sy will declare the cagefest open.