BBI men's cagefest tips off April 29

MANILA, Philippines – In a summer and preseason that is crowded and more competitive, one of the biggest and fastest growing leagues, the Breakdown Basketball Invitationals, is tipping off its inaugural Men’s Under-25 Division on Sunday, April 29, at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center.

Participating in the short pocket tournament are the Ateneo Blue Eagles, National University Bulldogs, University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, Adamson Falcons, Arellano University Chiefs and St. Clare Saints.

The format calls for a single round robin affair with the top two teams earning a bye in the quarterfinals. The remaining four teams battle in a crossover match-up with the winners advancing to the semifinal round.

Over at the distaff side, the second conference protagonists for the Under-25 Division are the Centro Escolar University Lady Scorpions, College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers, De La Salle Lady Green Archers, University of the East Lady Red Warriors, UP Lady Fighting Maroons and FEU Lady Tamaraws.

CEU pocketed the first ever BBI Women’s Under-25 championship early this year against UST.

During the women’s conference opener last April 15, FEU crushed UP, 78-47, behind Fatima Quiapo’s 14 points. She was backstopped by Valerie Mamaril and Camille Taguiam, who contributed 11 points apiece.

The Lady Tamaraws annihilated UP on the fastbreak, 16-0. FEU also scored 29 turnover points to the 5 of UP.

The Lady Fighting Maroons succumbed to a second consecutive loss last April 22, this time to CSB, following a 66-57 setback.

CSB’s Rica Parunago led the way with 16 points while Nesa Antiquera added 14.

Pat Pesquera and Noella Cruz each scored 16 points to lead reeling UP.