Games Today at WNU Gym

5 p.m. CSA-B vs UNO-R
5:30 p.m. WNU vs. USLS

With all players from the four competing college teams cleared by the screening committee and getting the go-signal to play, the 32nd NOPSSCEA men’s basketball competition starts at the West Negros University Gym 5 p.m. today.

The revitalized University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos Rams and the unpredictable Colegio de San Agustin-Bacolod Eagles will tangle in the first game, followed by the tussle between last year’s finalists University of St. La Salle Stingers and defending champion WNU Mustangs.

“This season will be one of the hardest one to choose a favorite team to win as all four teams are well balanced and familiar with the type of game each other plays,” NOPSSCEA sports task force chairman and basketball tournament manager Anthony Carlo Agustin said.

He added that there will be no underdog or a dark horse this season and the champion will represent NOPSSCEA in the Philippine Collegiate Championship League regional finals set in Dumaguete next month.

Agustin said this is the reason why they opted to hold the college men’s basketball competition a week ahead of the September 14 NOPSSCEA opening.

“We need to give the champion team time to prepare for the PCCL games,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Rams will be fielding the same team that finished first runner-up in the Talisay Basketball Athletic Club-sponsored tournament in Talisay City, two days ago. The UNO-R team bowed to Silver Dragon Construction to settle for second place.

“As always, our team out there will play their best,” UNO-R sports moderator Ericson Rios said.

Suiting up for the Rams this NOPSSCEA season are: Cedrick Eslabon, Joemel Paderog, John Lorenz Toral, Francis John Parreño, Coleen Jude Testa, Kim Dimaranan, Ritcher Santillan, Joenel Billones, John Guirnela, Fred Jay Parreño, Mark Anthony Papa, Joery Jarlata, Melogy Erojo, Melvy Derder, Stefano Ayuco, Jade Paul Calma Chris John Dayumat and Mark Cyve Segador.

The Rams, however, will be expecting a tough competition against the Eagles in the opener as CSA-B head coach Lorenzo Solinap earlier expressed confidence on his rookie-laden lineup.

Solinap earlier complimented his players for their impressive performance in the 1st LNA7 Inter-Collegiate Tournament that also served as a pre-NOPSSCEA games.

Although the Eagles finished fourth in the competition, Solinap said his wards had shown some grit when they played against the Mustangs right in their own turf at the WNU Gym.

The Eagles mentor said that with the home-and-away format of the NOPSSCEA games, the crowd can expect a good game from the Eagles every time they play.*NAB

back to top

NOPSSCEA men’s basketball starts today
Bacolod SP supports boxing commission bill