LSGH draws Hope, SSC in PSSBC elims

MANILA, Philippines — Newly crowned NCAA champion La Salle Greenhills faces tall odds in pursuit of another championship as it drew two tough teams in the sixth Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championships (PSSBC) Dickies Underwear Cup unfolding tomorrow at the SGS gym in Quezon City.

LSGH will be up against former tournament champions Hope Christian High School and San Sebastian College-Recoletos in the Group D elims of the annual tournament featuring the country’s top high school squads.

“This is going to be exciting since the three teams will be fighting for only two berths in their group,” said Freego’s Eduard Tio, adding that Hope and SSC are out to become the first two-time winner of the annual tournament.

Group B also features a strong cast composed of former champion Chiang Kai Shek College, former UAAP titlist National University and Letran.

“That will guarantee another intense race for the crown,” said board chairman Rudy Yu of Dickies Underwear. “Though it’s already Christmas break, I’m sure some collegiate coaches will be there to scout new talents.”

Making up Group A are reigning UAAP champion Far Eastern University, many-time NCAA titlist San Beda College and Manila Patriotic School while Group C is made up of Mapua, University of Visayas and Paco Citizens Academy Foundation.

Board vice chairman Terry Que of Rain or Shine and Poly Gloss sees UV as the darkhorse in the tournament backed by MEC Networks’ Leoncio Chua, Che Lu Bar & Grill’s Jimmy dela Cruz, Hapee Toothpaste’s Cecilio Pedro, Blackwater’s Dioceldo Sy and Ironcon Builders’ Jimi Lim.

Also backing the event that offers P50,000 to the champion are Molten, Choi Garden, Davies Paints, Cherrylume Roofing and Sumo GI Sheets.