HOPE Christian High School opens its title-retention bid against University of Santo Tomas while UAAP champion National University tackles Ateneo at the start of the Filipino-Chinese Basketball League Freego Cup today at the Buddhacare Gym in Quezon City.
The Hope cagers take on the España-based squad at 3 p.m. while the Bullpups tangle with the Eaglets at 1:30 p.m.
Also seeing action in the inaugurals of the event presented by Freego and sponsored by Smart are Far Eastern University which battles STI at noon and Adamson which faces Malayan School (Mapua) at 4:30 p.m.
Reigning Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association champion Chiang Kai Shek College draws an opening bye in the 9-team field.
“We are staging this tournament to prepare the schools for their respective leagues. It is our own way to help them discover their strengths and weaknesses,” said Horacio Lim, one of the organizers of the event.
Joel Yap of Freego has been invited to do the ceremonial toss in a simple opening ceremony that will be graced by representatives of the league’s other backers—Hapee Toothpaste, Fruitas Fruit Shake, Nikon Home Appliances, Colt Commercial, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Fern-C and Insular Place (Cebu).
Tournament format calls for a single-round robin with the top four teams advancing to the crossover semis where the No.1 and No. 2 teams enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage.