NEWCOMER Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas will be tested right in the opening of the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) when it battles Lyceum of the Philippines-Batangas on Thursday at the Olivarez gym in Parañaque City.
The Dolphins are not promising anything but they hope to give everybody a run for their money in the seven-team tournament that will be shown on Aksyon TV and ESPN5 every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday till the first week of December.
Game time is at 1 p.m. with UCBL president Franklin R. Evidente expecting a close match between two of three provincial colleges entered in the third season of the league.
A simple opening ceremony is set at 12 noon with title favorites Centro Escolar University and Olivarez College clashing at 3 p.m.
St. Joseph College of Bulacan is the other provincial college entered in the event backed by CafeFrance, Yakult, Gerry’s Grill, Hapee Toothpaste, MaxSell Power Tool and Tough Mama Home and Kitchen Appliances, Tanduay Athletics and Toyota Motor Phils.
Also taking part in the tournament are Technological Institute of the Philippines and Diliman College which are out to make noise this time.
With the participation of three provincial colleges, both Evidente and tournament director Horacio Lim are confident the league will continue to grow, citing the league’s partnership with Aksyon TV and ESPN5.
“This is an opportunity for the other schools to boost not only their basketball program but also their school as well,” said Evidente.
Evidente is convinced that the league’s new TV coveror will give student-athletes the needed exposure that will further inspire them to work hard.
“It’s a different kind of audience and a younger set, and we want to help the school and the league to grow further,” said TV5 head of sports Patricia Bermudez-Hizon.
That will also make UCBL part of ESPN5's program that includes the PBA, PBA D-League and the Philippine Super Liga.
Format calls for a double-round elimination round with the top two teams securing twice-to-beat advantages in the semis and the finals a best-of-three affair.
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