NCAA South hoop action tips-off Aug. 19

MANILA—University of Batangas debuts when Season 13 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association-South (NCAA-South) unfolds on Aug. 19 at San Beda College Alabang in Muntinlupa City.

Dom Clement Roque, rector president of host San Beda Alabang and Policy Board chair, said the entry of the Brahmans further raised the competitiveness of the league.

University of Perpetual Help-Laguna will shoot for a second straight title in the men’s basketball tournament where First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (Faith)-Tanuan, Don Bosco-Mandaluyong and host San Beda are also tabbed as contenders.

Former national coach Joe Lipa will serve as commissioner.

San Beda rector Fr. Paul De Vera, also a member of the NCAA-South Policy Board, said at least three schools have applied for membership but the league opted to keep a 10-team field.

“Ten member schools are ideal,” De Vera said in the PSA Forum yesterday at Shakey’s UN Avenue.

The season, with the theme “Nation Building Through Sports” will also serve as a kick off for host San Beda Alabang’s 40th anniversary next year.

Other member schools are Letran-Calamba, La Salle Lipa, Lyceum-Batangas City, Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas and San Pablo Colleges-Laguna.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Aldrin San Pedro will grace the opening ceremony, Roque said in the weekly session backed by Smart, Pagcor, Outlast Battery and Shakey’s.

The league’s calendar also includes competitions in volleyball, football, swimming, chess, badminton, table tennis and taekwondo.