Two-time National Collegiate Athletic Association finalist Lyceum of the Philippines University and multi-titled Mapua University test their mettle against foreign competition when they see action against separate opponents, kicking off the 11th Asian University Basketball Championship today, 10 a.m., at the Lyceum of the Philippines gymnasium in Intramuros, Manila.
The LPU Pirates take on Japan’s Nippon Sport Science University in the 10 a.m. opener, while the Mapua Cardinals clash with another Japanese varsity team from Kindai University at 2 p.m.
Ho Chi Min City Basketball team takes on Kuala Lumpur Basketball Association of Malaysia in the only other game at 4 p.m.
A brief opening ceremony precedes the games at 9 a.m., featuring invited guest speakers Senators Manny Pacquiao and Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go, Presidential Adviser for Sports Dennis Uy and FESSAP President Angelo Ngu.
Also expected to grace the opening rites of the tournament organized by the Federation of the School Sports Association of the Philippines, in partnership with the Asian University Basketball Federation and the Basketball Association of the Philippines are FESSAP Chairman Alvin Tan Lian, FESSAP Vice President Dr. Jesus Rodrigo Torres, FESSAP Honorary President David Ong, and AUBF Deputy Secretary General Hyun Mo Park, representing AUBF President Shin Dong Pa.
AUBC Organizing Committee Chairman Robert Milton A. Calo and Commissioner Leonardo
‘Ding’ Andres have been tapped to supervise the tournament, in coordination with host LPU led by its sports director Hector Callanta.
Commissioner Andres said the top team after the single-round elimination automatically wins the championship, but in case of a tie, the quotient system will be applied.