Nike 3-on-3 finals on tomorrow

The Nike 3-on-3 national finals blast off tomorrow at SM Megamall with five provincial teams out to break through Metro Manila’s iron-grip of the event. Letran is back to defend its title, unlike San Beda College, back-to-back champs of the first two stagings, which failed to qualify in the Metro Manila eliminations.

UAAP archrivals La Salle and Ateneo are expected to lend color and prestige to the one-day event together with Xavier School, St. Francis of Assisi College and Philippine College of Criminology.

The six Metro Manila teams complete the 11-team cast which includes provincial champions: Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori of Cagayan de Oro, Brokenshire Science High School of Davao City, Colegio de San Agustin of Bacolod, University of Visayas of Cebu and St. Louis High School Philex of Baguio City.

The 11 teams are divided into two groups, with each group playing a single round robin. Top two teams of each group advance to the crossover knockout semifinals. Winner of the crossover semifinals will compete in the National Finals. Losers from the crossover semifinals will play for 3rd and 4th place.

Drawing of lots to determine the grouping will be held at the welcome lunch today at Strike Zone.

The champion will represent the country in the Nike Asian regional championships in Malaysia, receive individual trophies, and P25,000 worth of Nike products, 1st runner-up will receive P15,000 worth of Nike products and trophy, and third runner-up will receive P10,000 worth of Nike product and a trophy.

Opening ceremonies will start at 11 a.m. and will be graced by PSC commissioner William Ramirez, PSC commissioner Cynthia Carrion, Nike Philippines, Inc. country sales manager Loulette Quinio, Nike sports marketing manager Auty Villarama, Nike marketing communications manager Colo Ventosa and Nike sports marketing coordinator Rely San Agustin.

Prime Events Experts Inc. event management project director Jing Chua said everything is all set and ready to go for the big event.

Nike 3 on 3 Women’s Division will consist of eight schools namely Angelicum College, St. Stephen HS, Jose Abad Santos Memorial School, Diliman Preparatory School, Colegio de San Lorenzo, Rizal High School, Ernesto Rondo HS and Southville Int’l School. The eight teams will be divided into two groups in a single round robin format. The champion will be given a trophy.