MBA swings to the South

MATI, Davao Oriental — For the second time this year, the MBA comes to this scenic "Sunrise Capital" of the Philippines for another exciting doubleheader as the MBA opens its National Conference for Southern squads here today.

First Conference champion RCPI Negros Slashers take on Casino Cagayan de Oro Amigos at 1 p.m. before the Professional Davao Eagles, losing semifinalist last month, host the visiting Cebuana Lhuillier Gems for their first home game in the sprawling 7,000-seat Davao Oriental Gym which they consider their second home.

It will be the second time that the league brings its games to this province known for its sweet mangoes, pomelos and the country’s first glimpse of sunrise. Last April 30, the Eagles played to a record crowd in a win over the LBC Batangas Blades in the first—ever professional basketball game here, 77-60.

"We are bringing back the games to Mati as our way of expressing our confidence in the capabilities of our provincial hosts," MBA director for operations Butch Maniego said.

The MBA will also ink a significant pact with the hosts to continue to bring the games to this town to help raise funds for the Project Olympkids Sports Development Program. The Olympkids Program is the games’ main beneficiary.

"This is one of the best moves of the MBA. We are glad that they share the same commitment to help develop our children," said Olympkids project director Neilwin Bravo.