RTU battles Olivarez in UCAA inaugural

A rematch of last season’s finals highlights the kickoff of the 13th season of the Universities and College Athletics Association (UCAA) this Saturday at Blue Eagle Gym in Ateneo.

Rizal Technological University opens its bid for back-to-back crowns versus Olivarez College in the last of a three-game bill at 1 p.m. of the men’s basketball tournament.

UCAA president Tisha Abundo of host Philippine School of Business Administration expects a strong field even as De La Salle University-Dasmariñas and Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite filed a leave of absence this year.

“This tournament used to be organized for tuneup games,” Abundo said during the PSA Forum yesterday at Shakey’s Malate. “Now, it has grown into something much better.”

Trinity University of Asia and PSBA clash at 10 a.m., followed by the 11:30 a.m.duel between Manuel L. Quezon University and Philippine Nautical and Technical College.

PSBA president Benjamin P. Paulino will lead the opening rites at 8 a.m., together with board members Cesar Hagos of Olivarez, Trinity’s Junel Mendiola, RTU’s Noraida La Rosa, MLQU’s Noli Tunacao and PNTC’s Michael Lao.  Jasmine W. Payo