19 teams duke it out in 11th Fr. Martin cagefest

MANILA, Philippines – Nineteen varsity teams are expected to take part in the 11th Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup basketball tournament when action gets under way on Saturday, November 22, at the Arellano University gymnasium in Legarda, Manila.

The San Beda Red Lions, who are the reigning NCAA champions, will open their campaign with a 9 a.m. clash with the University of Santo Tomas Tigers.

They are among the 15 squads that have initially signified their intentions to join in the men’s division.

Defending champions University of Santo Tomas Tigresses, who took the  women’s honors the last time around, will fight for glory in the women’s division.

The men’s division will also include the defending champion College of St. Benilde Blazers, Lyceum Philippines University, Far Eastern University, Adamson University, Mapua Institute of Technology, National University and University of the East.

University of Perpetual Help, La Salle, Ateneo and San Sebastian have also signified their intention to participate, according to commissioner Robert de la Rosa.

Also initially joining the women’s division are FEU, UE and La Salle.

The last time around, the CSB Blazers subdued University of Perpetual Help-A, 113-102, in overtime to clinch the men’s division crown.

Lor Rivera fired 21 points for the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, who outplayed the La Salle Lady Archers, 78-69, for the women’s crown.