Sandugo Unigames under way

FIVE UAAP squads led by reigning titlist Ateneo plunge into action today in the men’s basketball tournament of the 17th Sandugo University Games in Bacolod City.

Bannered by some of the stars who powered the team to a fifth straight title in the UAAP early this month, the Blue Eagles are fancied to get past University of San Jose-Recoletos in the 12 noon clash at University of St. La Salle Coliseum.

UAAP losing finalist University of Santo Tomas also opens its bid against John B. Lacson Maritime University at the WNU Gym, while National U battles Xavier U at the Bacolod Tay Tung High School Gym.

University of the East faces University of Northern Philippines while Adamson clashes with Colegio Purisima College.

Basketball is one of the 13 events being played in the weeklong event that opens with Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia keynoting the kickoff rites tonight.

Unigames founder Bro. Roly Dizon will be honored posthumously during the opening program for his contributions to the growth of the event that is considered the biggest gathering among collegiate athletes in the country.

FEU is defending six titles in the games, including men and women’s athletics, women’s chess and men’s volleyball. FEU shared the women’s taekwondo title with University of the Philippines and St. Benilde.

The Blazers are also seeking back-to-back titles in men’s chess and men’s taekwondo, while San Beda hopes to extend its dominance in men and women’s swimming and men’s table tennis.