Pacquiao, Angara lead Senate five’s title-retention bid

Senators Manny Pacquiao, Joel Villanueva and Sonny Angara will spearhead the powerhouse Senate Advocates as they defend their crown in the second Makabansa Basketball League (MBL) starting Sept. 29 at Meralco Gym in Pasig.

The Advocates, who beat the Philippine Star in a thrilling three-game championship series last season, are headlining the 18-team tournament which features government officials and employees as well as executives of private companies.

Teams have been divided into three brackets with the top four teams from each group advancing to the knockout round of the league limited to players aged 30-above.

Rebo Saguisag serves as MBL commissioner.  —CEDELF P. TUPAS

Bracket A: Meralco, Smart Dream Team, Justice League, Comelec; Bracket B: DENR, PLDT Digital, PNP, DOJ, OSG, Philippine Sportswriters Association; Bracket C: Senate, NLEX, MMDA, DILG. Office of the President, DOE