University Belt Basketball Cup Tips Off April 9 at San Beda
A new preseason tournament is set to energize the collegiate basketball scene in Manila as the first-ever University Belt Basketball Cup (UBBC) opens on Wednesday, April 9, at the San Beda University gym in Mendiola.
The tournament brings together eight schools from the University Belt in a bid to provide a competitive yet cost-effective preseason option for teams preparing for their respective major leagues. Participating in the inaugural season are Adamson University, Arellano University, Centro Escolar University, La Consolacion College – Manila, National University, San Beda University, San Sebastian College – Recoletos, and the University of Santo Tomas.
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The opening day will feature four straight games. San Beda University will take on Adamson University at 10:00 AM, followed by Arellano University facing La Consolacion College at 11:30 AM. At 1:00 PM, National University will go up against San Sebastian College-Recoletos, and the day will close with a 2:30 PM matchup between the University of Santo Tomas and Centro Escolar University.
The UBBC follows a single round-robin elimination format. The top four teams after the elimination round will advance to the Final Four, where the top two seeds will have a twice-to-beat advantage. The championship series will be played in a best-of-three format.
In a move aimed at reducing logistical expenses while boosting campus engagement, games will be hosted by the participating schools on a rotating basis, using their own campus gyms.
Atty. Jonas Cabochan of San Beda University is serving as tournament chairman, while veteran coach and basketball figure Ramon “Cholo” Martin has been named commissioner.
The UBBC is jointly organized by Arellano University, the University of Santo Tomas, and San Beda University.
With a competitive lineup and a packed opening day, the UBBC is shaping up to be a strong new entry in Manila’s college basketball calendar.
