UNIVERSITY of the Philippines eyes a golden double after winning last month’s men’s basketball crown in the UAAP 3×3 tournament which starts today at CaSoBe in Calatagan South Beach, Batangas.

Led by Gerry Abadiano, who represented the country in the FIBA 3×3 U18 Asia Cup in 2019, the Fighting Maroons also have Harold Alarcon, AJ Madrigal and Brix Ramos in their roster.

UP will go up against National University to open a heavy 14-game schedule at 10:30 a.m.

Ateneo, second placers in last month’s men’s basketball competition, will face fabled rival La Salle to open its 3×3 campaign at 12:30 p.m.

The Blue Eagles will be represented by Sean Quetevis, Geo Chiu, Inand Fornillos and JC Fetalvero, while Donn Lim, Ralph Cu, Emman Galman and Ben Phillips will banner the Green Archers.

In the women’s division, the decorated Lady Bulldogs will be led by Camille Clarin, the hero of the Philippines’ stunning 10-9 win over No. 6 The Netherlands in the 2019 Fiba 3×3 Under-18 World Cup.

NU, which also has Angel Surada, Kristine Cayabyab and Karl Ann Pingol in the line-up, will begin its title bid against University of Santo Tomas’ Tacky Tacatac, Reynalyn Ferrer, Agatha Bron and Joylyn Pangilinan, at 11:15 a.m.

Far Eastern University, starring Mikee Antonio, Mary Julianne Manguiat, Danica Pacia and Camille Taguiam, plays Ateneo, featuring Jhazmin Joson, Lettice Miranda, Dyna Nieves and Sandra Villacruz, at 10 a.m. to usher a 14-game bill in the distaff side.

The top four teams after the single-round eliminations of both divisions will clash in the knockout semifinals tomorrow. The one-game championship will be played on the same day.

The 3×3 is now included in the general championship race for the first time.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado