Naascu gets going July 30

EXPECT a tight basketball battle in Season 12 when the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (Naascu) fires off on July 30 at Makati Coliseum.

Last year’s runner-up STI College leads the favorites along with Centro Escolar University, St. Clare College and Our Lady of Fatima University after University of Manila, the seniors champion in the last two seasons, opted to take a leave of absence.

“We have a level field because some teams are still intact,” Naascu board representative Mhel Garrido said at the PSA Forum yesterday at Shakey’s UN Avenue.

AMA Computer University, City University of Pasay, New Era University and Trace College of Los Baños complete the eight-school field.

CEU also aims to defend its women’s crown this season, which banners the theme “Driven to Succeed.”

“We’re tagged as the third league behind [the UAAP and the NCAA] that’s why we’re driven to succeed,” said Naascu president Jay Adalem.

“I think we’re gaining popularity with the games televised and we’re also adding new sports sports every year.”

“I think we’re the only collegiate league in the country that has billiards,” said Garrido.

Basketball games will be aired on Net 25.