Ateneo plays Ford in Flying V opener

DEFENDING champion Ateneo de Davao University (FAA) tests the mettle of Ford Academy of the Arts (FAA) in the 8 a.m. opener of the Fil-Oil/Flying V Junior Invitational Basketball Tournament today at the Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC) Gym.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) regional director Glenn Escandor will give an inspirational talk during the opening program.

Five other games will also be played, pitting Assumption College of Davao (ACD) against Saint Mary's College of Tagum at 9:30 a.m., Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School (Dranhs) against Cor Jesu College of Digos at 11 a.m., Davao Jones Academy against Emar Human Environmental College (Ehec) at 1:30 p.m., Holy Cross College of Sasa (HCCS) against Philippine Women's College of Davao (PWC) at 3:30 p.m. and Jose Maria College (JMC) against Holy Child College of Davao (HCCD) at 5 p.m.

Teams, which are grouped into two brackets, will play a single round-robin format in the eliminations to determine the top two teams in each bracket that will advance to the semifinals enroute to the championship.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top four teams and individual awardees of the tournament sponsored by Fil-Oil Flying V and organized by Toto Villavicencio and Jerry Alino along with Kilusan at Alyansang Samahan ng mga Manlalaro sa Dabaw (Kasama-Davao), Incorporated headed by its president Rolando Tagaytay.

Davao City First District Representative Karlo Nograles and his wife Marga, Toby Ang of Angcore, Freddie Mendoza of Cargo Air and Lito Cabrera are supporting the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP)-sanctioned league.