IT will be NAASCU against NCAA when eight-time champion St.Clare College of Caloocan and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta clash in the featured game in the first Governor Luigi Villafuerte Invitational Cup 2025 basketball championship starting March 31.

The Saints, who have dominated NAASCU with an iron hand for seven straight years, and the Altas take the floor in the opening game at 4 p.m. at the Ka Fuerte Sports Center.

NBL Philippines member and host CamSur Express and foreign team Kuala Lumpur Hornbills collide in the second game at 6 p.m.

The week-long competition is being organized by Armstrong Philippines, headed by Managing Director Joven Ace Castillo, in cooperation with the Camarines Sur local government under Gov. Villafuerte.

“With three strong local teams and one foreign squad, the short, single-round tournament is expected to provide basketball-loving fans in Camarines Sur another big treat,” said Castillo.

Castillo also lauded the local organizing committee for leaving no stone unturned to ensure the success of the tournament.

“This early, we would like to thank Gov. Villafuerte and the people of Camarines Sur for their all-out support,” added Castillo.

Tournament format is single-round elimination with the No. 1 team battling the No. 4 squad and the No. 2 team playing the No. 3 squad in the crossover semis.

The top two teams battle for the championship, while the remainng two teams dispute third place on April 4.

The complete schedule:

March 31 – University of Perpetual Help vs. St.Clare College; KL Hornbills vs. CamSur Express.
April 1 — KL Hornbills vs. Perpetual Help; St. Clare College vs.CamSur Express.
April 2 — KL Hornbillsvs. St. Clare College; Perpetual Help vs. CamSur Express.
April 3 — Crossover semis: No. 1 vs.No. 4; No. 2 vs. No. 3.
April 4 — Battle for third place; Championship game.

Highlight of the event is wakeboarding activities for all guests and participants at the world-class Camarines Watersports Complex.

Games March 31:

(Ka Fuerte Sports Center)
4 p.m.– Perpetual Help vs. St. Clare
6 p.m. — KL Hornbills vs CamSur Express

AUTHOR PROFILE

Robert Andaya