The University Belt Basketball Invitational Cup is set for a bigger second season of preseason action.
After featuring eight teams in its inaugural tournament last year, the field has doubled this year, further expanding its reach beyond the U-Belt.
Returning to the league, which is supported by Home Credit, are defending champion National University, NCAA champion San Beda University, University of Santo Tomas, Adamson University, Arellano University, UCAL leader Centro Escolar University, and reigning ISAA champion La Consolacion College.
Joining the fold are UAAP powerhouses Ateneo de Manila University and Far Eastern University.
Completing the cast are NCAA schools Colegio de San Juan de Letran, College of Saint Benilde, Jose Rizal University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA; and NAASCU members St. Clare College of Caloocan and Our Lady of Fatima University.
“Seeing the league grow this way is exactly what we envisioned. A bigger field means tougher competition, and that’s exactly what these teams need as preparation for their respective mother leagues,” said UBelt Cup co-founder Jude Roque.
The league’s other co-founders are Arellano University’s Peter Cayco and Waiyip Chong, while Cholo Martin will return as commissioner.
With the expanded lineup, the tournament will be divided into two groups.
The Growling Tigers, the Knights, the Soaring Falcons, the Tamaraws, the Heavy Bombers, the Supremos, the Phoenix, and the Saints are composing Group A in this tournament that will air on PusoP.com.
Meanwhile, Group B of this tournament, which is also supported by Smart Sports, Pocari Sweat, and Islander, are the Bulldogs, the Red Lions, the Blue Eagles, the Chiefs, the Blue Royals, the Scorpions, the Generals, and the Altas.
After the group stage, the top four teams from each bracket will advance to the crossover quarterfinals, with all postseason games following a knockout format.
Opening weekend will be held at St. Placid’s Gym in San Beda.
Arellano opens against CEU at 9 a.m., followed by the rivalry clash between San Beda and Ateneo at 11 a.m.
NU begins its title defense against EAC at 1 p.m., while UST faces St. Clare in the final game of the day.
On Sunday, La Consolacion takes on San Beda, JRU battles Fatima, and Ateneo meets CEU.
