Four teams, led by title favorites St. Stephen’s High School and Xavier School, kick off their campaigns as the newly introduced 30-39 years-old division of the Smart Sports Fil-Chinese Athletic Association Inc., presented by Tanduay Athletics, fires off on Monday, Feb. 2, at the Tanduay Gym in Quiapo, Manila.
In addition to the 30-39 division, action in the 50-and-above category—another new addition to the league—also begins with a lone game between Saint Jude Catholic School and Tiong Se Academy at 6:30 p.m.
However, all eyes will be on Xavier and St. Stephen’s, two squads led by a mix of former school stars—one of whom is an incoming PBA coach.
Touted as one of the young brilliant minds in Philippine basketball, Charles Tiu will headline the solid Xavier roster, which will clash with Philippine Cultural College in the nightcap of the three-game schedule at 9:30 p.m.
“Everyone is excited—even those in the 50-and-above division—they really want to prove that age is just a number. So expect good games from start to finish,” said league chairman Wilbert Loa.
Tiu, who guided Mighty Sports to several international titles, will team up with former UP guard Kyles Lao, Jarell Lim, and former MPBL MVP Gab Banal.
The St. Stephen’s squad, meanwhile, will be led by Kish Co, Jason Pascual, and Kent Lao when it faces the Aldrianne Anglim-led Uno HS at 8 p.m.
Despite Xavier’s formidable roster, Philippine Cultural College is not to be underestimated, as Antonio Sy and Andrew Gan Calupitan are expected to lead the team’s scoring.
Loa, who will be assisted by Oliver Choa, Arvin Sy, Alving Teng, Willy Chan, Edster Sy, Jardine Bautista, and Commissioner Junel Baculi, anticipates another record-breaking season thanks to the enthusiastic response from all participating teams, especially Hua Siong College of Iloilo and Grace Christian College, winners of the inaugural 40-years and 45-and-above divisions last year.
The league, also backed by Genius Hardware, Ultraforce Tires, Cellboy, PGFlex Linoleum, Boysen, Lamtex Pipes, Jiang Nan, Hangry Pares, Powerhouse Tools, L.F. Fireworks, BYD Valenzuela, BAIC, Jetour, Oedo, 1118 Autospa, and TCL, will hold its opening ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 8, at the Amoranto Sports Complex.
Other supporters of the event include Abby’s Pawns n’ Play, Sha Tin Courtyard, S-Ks Tools, MEC, Shell Malabon, Oriental Palace, LP Support, Senco Link, Spalding, Summit, Sincerity Café, PSACC, Traverse, and Emerson Industrial Supply.
