Lancers, Panthers on tough mission in Bayugan caging

CEBU, Philippines - The University of the Visayas Green Lancers and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panthers enter the toughest phase of their tedious buildup for the upcoming Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) season as they compete in the Mayor Kim Lope A. Asis Invitational Basketball Tournament 2017 set on June 26-30 at the Lope Asis Memorial Gymnasium in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

The Lancers and the Panthers will go up against heavyweight squads from Manila and Mindanao in what is touted as the biggest inter-collegiate basketball event in southern Philippines.

Standing in UV and USPF's way to championship glory are the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers and the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals. 

The Crusaders of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan complete the crack five-team field in the cash-rich tilt that offers over half a million pesos in cash prizes to the winners.

They will play in a single round robin format, with the top two qualifiers automatically fighting it out for the title in a winner-take-all affair.

Aside from trophies, the champion will take home P200,000 while the second placer will pocket P150,000. The third to fifth will receive P100,000, P75,000 and P50,000, respectively.

That is on top of the free accommodation, transportation and meals and round-the-clock security to all the participants of the five-day joust that is among the highlights of the city's 10th Charter Day and Bayug Festival celebration. (FREEMAN)