NCAA champ Letran heads cast in 12th Fr. Martin cagefest

MANILA, Philippines – Newly crowned NCAA champion Letran-A will be among 12 teams which will see action in the 12th Fr. Martin Cup Collegiate Open basketball tournament when it starts Saturday at the Arellano University gym in Legarda, Manila.

A two-game bill will kick off the season, with reigning Division 2 Cup champion Ateneo taking on College of St. Benilde at 9 a.m.

Later, defending champion University of Perpetual Help clashes with University of the East at 10:30 a.m.

The Knights are in Group A with the Mapua Cardinals, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, Ateneo, MLQU and Philippine Merchant Marine School.

Commissioner Robert de la Rosa said Letran B is in Group B with Arellano University, the 13th Division 2 Cup runner-up.

They are in the company of UE, Adamson, Philippine College of Criminology and University of Perpetual Help.

The last time around, the Perpetual Help Altas drew big baskets from three veterans to turn back the Arellano University Chiefs, 79-70, and bag the 11th Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup basketball tournament honors.