IN a summer and preseason that is crowded and more competitive, one of the biggest and fastest-growing leagues, Breakdown Basketball Invitationals is tipping off its inaugural Men’s Under-25 Division on Sunday at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center.
Participating in the short pocket tournament are Ateneo, National University, University of the Philippines, Adamson University, Arellano University and Saint Clare.
The format calls for a single round robin affair with the top 2 teams earning a bye in the quarterfinals. The remaining four teams battle in a crossover match-up with the winners advancing to the semifinal round.
In the women’s side, the second conference for the Under-25 Division include Centro Escolar University (CEU), College of Saint Benilde, De La Salle, University of the East, University of the Philipines (UP) and Far Eastern University (FEU).
CEU pocketed the first-ever BBI Women’s Under-25 championship early this year against UST.
During the women’s conference opener on April 15, FEU crushed UP, 78-47, behind Fatima Quiapo’s 14 points. She was backstopped by Valerie Mamaril and Camille Taguiam, who each tacked on 11 points.
The Lady Tamaraws ran the UP side ragged by scoring 16 fastbreak points to the nil of the Lady Fighting Maroons. FEU also scored 29 turnover points to UP’s five.
The Lady Fighting Maroons succumbed to a second consecutive loss on April 22, this time to CSB, following a 66-57 setback.
CSB’s Rica Parunago led the way with 16 points, while Nesa Antiquera added 14. Pat Pesquera and Noella Cruz each scored 16 points to lead reeling UP.