LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The inaugural Congressman Eric Go Yap Basketball Cup fired off on Sept. 16 at the Benguet State University gym.
Fourteen teams from the 13 municipalities will see action in the first Congressional Cup to involve not just young cagers but also veterans in a single round robin competition where all towns could play host.
The 280 players took their oath of sportsmanship as they embark on the three month long competition that will take players to the mining towns of Mankayan in the north and Tuba and Itogon down south and as high as Mount Pulag in Kabayan and the former highest highway in the cloud-kissed Atok.
The highly anticipated team lineups include La Trinidad’s team A, Itogon, and Bokod, all having former varsity players in their lineup.
“It’s anybody’s ball game,” said Bokod Mayor Thomas Wales, Jr. when asked on the chances of his team which is expected to be a favorite with former players from the University of the Cordilleras, Saint Louis University, and Cordillera Career Development College suiting up.
Games are scheduled on weekends, every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
The elimination round is expected to be finished first week of November.
The top eight teams will advance to the quarterfinals with the top four teams enjoying a twice-to-beat edge against the lowest seeded team.
Winners in the quarterfinals will advance to the final four where the top and lowest seeds face each other and the higher seed gets a twice to beat advantage.
The winners in the semis will vie for the cup in a best of three format.
Cash prizes await the winners and consolation prizes to the non-winning teams.
Top performing players in both winning and losing team will receive special prizes while the most valuable player will be named including selection for the mythical five and second team.
The awarding ceremony is expected to take place during the last day of the Adivay Festival celebration. – Press release
