Mayor’s Cup 2012 basket tourney opens Friday

TEN local basketball teams divided into Bracket A and Bracket B will see action starting February 24 until March 4 at the University of San Agustin gym in Iloilo City. Admission is free.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said the Mayor’s Cup 2012 will be conducted by the City Government in partnership with the Iloilo Basketball League (IBL) and the Iloilo City Sports Council under Vice Mayor Joe III Espinosa.

For the first time, the tournament is implementing the rule of the homebase with players having roots of origin in Panay Island in order to play in the league.

Some noted Ilonggo basketeers currently playing with the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) and Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will give color to the tournament by joining some teams and playing against the homegrown boys.

Bracket A is composed of players from the Iloilo City Government, University of San Agustin, Hercor, Coke/JBLFMU and Vulcan-Tac7 teams.

Bracket B, on the other hand, is composed of UI Phinma, Iloilo Doctors College, Ajuy Tyler, Egger Farm Cougars and Double 8 Oton teams.

Opening ceremony will be at 2 p.m. Friday, with Mabilog tossing the ball.

The first shot will be played by Hercor against the City Government at 3 p.m. and UI Phinma against Ajuy Tylers at 4:30 p.m. of February 24. (Lydia C. Pendon)