MANILA, Philippines - The 20th Fr. Martin Summer Cup basketball tournament gets going this Saturday with a total of 27 teams, including 17 in the premier college division, participating at San Beda gym in Mendiola.
The college roster includes the national youth Under-17 squad and the University of Santo Tomas and St. Clare, according to commissioner Robert de la Rosa
The Growling Tigers, runners-up in the UAAP the last two years, and the Saints will be grouped with the Ateneo-B Blue Eagles, the Phl Youth under-17 squad, Faith-Batangas, Centro Escolar University-Malolos, Arellano University and Emilio Aguinaldo College.
Others in the fold are Far Eastern University, Lyceum Philippines University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, San Sebastian College-A, San Sebastian College-B, San Beda and Metropolitan College.
San Beda and UAAP finalist National University, meanwhile, banner the junior cast that includes Lyceum-A, Lyceum-B, San Sebastian-A, EAC-ICA, UST, Chiang Kai Shek Dragons, Adamson and San Sebastian-B.
Newly appointed head coach Bong dela Cruz will be at the helm of the Tigers bid in the event which serves as one of the top pre-season tournaments for the coming UAAP and NCAA seasons.
The Saints, on the other hand, are gearing up for the NAASCU and the NCRAA leagues.
The NU Bulldogs blasted the University of Perpetual Help-A Altas, 63-47, to clinch the seniors crown while the San Beda Red Cubs subdued the Letran Squires, 72-63, to retain the junior title.