Grace Christian College hopes to launch its title-retention bid in style when it faces Philippine Chen Kuang Huang High School in the 45-and-above division of the Fil-Chinese Athletic Association Inc. (FCAAI) on Monday, Aug. 10, at the Tanduay Gym in Quiapo, Manila.
Following the successful staging of the premier age category, the 40-and-above division, league chairman Wilbert Loa expects another spirited race for the championship, which the Graceans won last year by sweeping St. Stephen’s High School in the inaugural staging of the event.
“We are praying that we’ll have a good weather tomorrow,” said Loa, who is looking forward to another round of exciting games similar to those in the previous divisions.
With 14 schools participating, Loa said the teams will be divided into two groups and play a single round-robin, with the top two teams from each group advancing outright to the quarterfinals.
Game time is set for 6 p.m., with the Graceans determined to make a strong start as they look to establish themselves as the team to beat.
Also scheduled on opening night are St. Peter the Apostle School against Philippine Cultural College at 7:45 p.m., followed by the 9:30 p.m. clash between Uno High School and San Lorenzo Ruiz Academy.
The league previously held the 35-39 and 50-and-above divisions, with Hope Christian High School emerging as champion in both categories.
Backed by former PBA MVP James Yap and ex-UAAP MVP Ken Bono, Iloilo’s Hua Siong College retained its 40-44 division crown at the expense of Xavier School.
Supporting the league are Smart Sports, Tanduay Athletics, Genius Hardware, Ultraforce Tires, Cellboy, PGFlex Linoleum, Boysen, Lamtex Pipes, Jiang Nan, Hangry Pares, Powerhouse Tools, L.F. Fireworks, BYD Valenzuela, BAIC, Jetour, Yong Kee Roasting House, 1118 Autospa, and TCL.
