All eyes will be on Precious Momowei as he makes his debut for Centro Escolar University, setting the tone for a wide-open chase when the PG Flex-UCAL Season 8 Basketball Tournament tips off Thursday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Meanwhile, defending champion Olivarez College enters the season confident and battle-ready to protect its throne, but challengers—most notably the Scorpions—are eager to spoil the Sea Lions’ bid for back-to-back titles.
Fresh off their first-ever championship last season, the Sea Lions retained the core that carried them to glory and bolstered their roster with promising rookies, making it clear they intend to guard the crown at all costs.
Much of the offensive burden will again fall on foreign student-athlete Hakim Njiasse, along with crafty guard Allen Vergara, Patrick Panelo, Rodel Renon, and Bryan Manuel, all of whom played key roles in their thrilling best-of-three Finals win over the Philippine Christian University–Dasmariñas Dolphins.
Olivarez’ readiness for a repeat was tested as early as December, when it advanced to the finals of a preseason tournament that featured UAAP and NCAA squads.
Though the Sea Lions fell to the UP Maroons in a one-game showdown, they showed strong chemistry and promise that they hope to carry into the season.
That form will be put to the test at 2 p.m. in the main game of a loaded four-game opening-day schedule, as Olivarez faces the Immaculada Concepcion College Blue Hawks.
Also looking to make an early statement in the league supported by Akari, Advance Solutions Inc., Smart Sports, Spalding, Team Rebel Sports, Quintana Sports, Crane Faucet, Hapee Toothpaste, Jiang Nan Restaurant, Vital, TopFlite Academy, Maruyama, and Gerry’s Grill are the Diliman College Blue Dragons.
Now bannered by Momowei, CEU takes on the Lyceum of the Philippines University–Batangas Pirates at 4 p.m., while Diliman College opens its campaign against the Dolphins at 12 noon.
Rounding out the opening day slate is the 6 p.m. clash between University of Batangas and Philippine Women’s University, with both teams eyeing a rousing start.
The basketball champion will join the league’s early title winners—UB (men’s volleyball), ICC (women’s volleyball), and LPU-B (street dancing).
“While Olivarez College remains formidable, I see a thrilling race for the coveted title,” said tournament director Horacio Lim. “Lahat nagpalakas in their desire to beat the Sea Lions.”
