Dragons open NCRAA title defense

MANILA, Philippines - The Universal College Dragons will start their title retention bid when the 17th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s basketball tournament fires off today at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.

They will seek their second straight crown without the challenge from the Arellano University Chiefs and the Emilio Aguinaldo College-Manila Generals after both schools opted to concentrate on their participation in another league.

But NCRAA president Tisha Abundo of this year’s host Philippine School of Business Administration believes that competition will be balanced among the 11-member schools, who are seeing action in this varsity cagefest backed by Mikasa and Molten Balls.

 “This is the 17th season of the NCRAA. We have Universal College defending its title and 10 other schools which will make competition tough,” said Abundo during yesterday’s weekly PSA Forum at the Shakey’s Pizza Restaurant in UN Ave.

Rep. Annie Susano of the third district of Quezon City will be guest of honor during the opening ceremonies at 9 a.m.

 “We are on our 17th season and still going strong so we must be doing something right,” added Abundo in the session also supported by Accel, Outlast Battery, Shakey’s and Pagcor.

 “Look at our former school teams, Arellano University and Emilio Aguinaldo College, which have moved on to higher grounds. We’re glad that they got to hone their competitiveness in our league. We always wish them luck because they started with us.”

The PSBA Jaguars, who are coached by Philip Cezar, battle the Technological Institute of the Philippines Engineers in the opening game at 10 a.m.