MANILA, Philippines - NCAA runner-up Mapua and multi-titled Xavier School drew the so-called “Group of Death” in the third Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) Ironcon Builders Cup which gets going Saturday at the Chiang Kai Shek College gym in Tondo, Manila.
Also with the Red Robins and the Xavier Golden Stallions in Group C of the four-group, 12-team tournament are the Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws.
“All three teams are strong so the competition in that group will be intense and exciting,” said MEC Computers’ Leoncio Chua, one of the eight Governors of the league. “They have almost the same depth.”
The top two teams from each group will advance to the crossover quarterfinal round of the tournament presented by Jimi Lim’s Ironcon Builders with Blackwater-Ever Bilena, Hapee Toothpaste, Rain or Shine, Freego, Dickies Underwear, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum and MEC Computers as sponsors.
Under the format, Group A No.1 faces Group C No. 2, Group B No. 1 collides with Group No. 2, Group C No. 1 tackles Group A No. 2 and Group D No. 1 takes on Group B No.2.
Comprising Group A are reigning UAAP champion National University, Chiang Kai Shek College and Jose Rizal University while NCAA titlist San Beda College, University of the East and Hope Christian High School make up Group D.
UAAP runner-up Ateneo is heavily favored to top Group B although Letran and St. Stephen’s High School are hoping to pull off a surprise win over the Eaglets.
Out to lead the Eaglets’ title bid are Jolo Mendoza and twin brothers Matt and Mike Nieto – all veterans of the World Under-17 Championship.
Chiang Kai Shek College and San Beda are likewise expected to advance to the next round.