Scorpions face tough UCAL title defense vs NCAA, NAASCU, UAAP standouts
MANILA, Philippines — The PGFlex Invitational Tournament 2026 Quintana Cup begins on Thursday, October 22, with reigning UCAL ((Universities and Colleges Athletic League) champion Centro Escolar University out to make a strong statement at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The readiness of the CEU Scorpions to defend their UCAL crown will not only be tested by three other UCAL members but also by four standout teams from the UAAP, NCAA and NAASCU.
Apart from CEU, other UCAL schools taking part in the twice-a-week preseason event are former champion Olivarez College, Diliman College, and Manila Central University.
However, all eyes will be on defending champion University of the Philippines of the UAAP, which dominated the event last year through the stellar performances of current Maroon stars like Veejay Pre and James Payosing,
The top recruits of UP and La Salle, Letran of the NCAA, and St. Clare of NAASCU are expected to put their best foot forward to secure spots on their regular rosters in the event backed by Smart, Puso.com, Hapee Toothpaste, Mighty Bond, Spalding, Maruyama, Gerry’s Grill, Crane, Vital Purified Water, and Akari.
“This tournament is not only for UCAL members but also for other schools who wish to determine the true worth of their new recruits,” said Tournament Director Horacio Lim. “We are giving the chance to shine and get the attention of their coaches.”
PGFlex owner Nelson Guevarra is once again sponsoring the event in his desire the league can further discover promising players, who can represent the country in major international events someday.
The Scorpions, however, won’t be seeing on the opening day after drawing a bye.
The attention is likely to fall on the Maroons when they clash with the Diliman Blue Dragon at 5:45 p.m. and the Archers, who take on the MCU Supremos at 7:30 p.m.
St. Clare and Letran kick off the exciting triple-header at 4 p.m. (Pool story)
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