The Philippine Maritime Institute, which has emerged as the newest force in amateur basketball in the city, will represent the National Capital Region along with two other teams in the annual cagefest, while the San Beda Red Cubs will again stake its crown in the high school side of the week-long event which ends on March 7.
But out to spoil PMI’s bid for the national title are University of Perpetual Help of Rizal and perennial finalist and former national champion University of Manila.
The UPHR Altas, with national coach Bai Cristobal at its helm, finished behind PMI in the NCR eliminations, while the Ato Tolentino-coached UM Hawks ended up third.
Other teams expected to crowd the NCR teams for the much-coveted crown include University of Baguio, Lyceum of Batangas, University of Luzon, Colleges of Tuguegarao, Angeles University Foundation, Southern City Colleges (Zamboanga City) and University of Mindanao.
Quezon will field in Enverga University as the host province.