TIP-PMMS kicks off ISAA caging

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Technological Institute of the Philippines and newcomer Philippine Merchant Marine School highlight a three-game bill kicking off the fourth season of the Interscholastic Athletic Association (ISAA) basketball tournament today at The Arena in San Juan.

TIP and PMMS meet in the main game at 1 p.m. in what is billed to be a finals preview, capping a hectic start to the new season of the fledgling collegiate league formed in 2009.

Manila Tytana Colleges (formerly Manila Doctors College) and St. Dominic College of Asia clash in the opener set at 10 a.m., before Feati University and Philippine Women’s University square off in the second game at 11:30 a.m.

“TIP and PMMS are obviously tipped as favorites to win the championship, but we expect the other schools to be competitive this season,” said ISAA president Ruel dela Rosa of Manila Tytana Colleges.

 in Tuesday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

Dela Rosa was with league treasurer Raul Santos of PWU during the session presented by Smart, the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation, and Shakey’s.

Barangay Ginebra star center Kerby Raymundo will be the keynote speaker for the opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. San Juan congressman JV Ejercito has also been invited to grace the affair.

Seven schools, including La Consolacion College Manila, are participating in the single-round tourney where the top two teams gain outright slots in the semifinals. The third-to-seventh placed teams will meet in a ladderized format to dispute the remaining two spots.

Two other member schools include Lyceum of the Philippines and Manila Adventist Medical Center and Colleges, but they are expected to field teams in various events such as volleyball, swimming, badminton and table tennis.