12 teams battle in 8th AEBC Corporate Cup

Sports

THE Architects and Engineers Basketball Club (AEBC) has improved by leaps and bounds, and its 8th Corporate Cup, which will fire off on Friday, March 14, is a testament to its reputation as one of the most established recreational leagues in Cebu.

A total of 12 teams have signed up for the AEBC 8th Corporate Cup, which will have an elaborate opening ceremony, highlighted by the selection of “Best Muse” at the University of San Carlos Downtown Campus Gymnasium.

“We only had six teams when we started in 2015 or 2016. But now for our Corporate Cup, we have 12 teams, which is actually the second time that we were able to attract 12 teams,” said AEBC official Josephril Partosa in a press conference on Thursday, March 13.

The league is participated by licensed architects and engineers.

It is through the league that architects and engineers are able to forge camaraderie among themselves as well as with their suppliers, Partosa said.

“We would also like to thank our sponsors, especially our long-time sponsors. We will not reach this far without their support,” said Partosa.

Outgoing AEBC president Alan Choachuy said they were able to sustain the league through its unique identity, calling it as the only "professional" amateur league in the country.

"It's like our very own Olympics for licensed engineers and architects. That’s what makes our league a one-of-a-kind and inspiring to organize every year," said Choachuy.

The AEBC stages two conferences every season as it also holds the Sponsors’ Cup after the Corporate Cup.

Aside from AEBC officials, team captains, and corporate sponsors also graced the media event held at the Golden Prince Hotel and Suites.

Competing teams are defending champion PICE-2 Avantrac, PME A-Kinsman, IIEE B-Phelps Dodge, UAP-Buildrite, PICE 1-EGS, CompE-RBR, IIEE A-Johnro, PME B-Litecrete, PIIE-Island, PICE 5-Mortabond, PICE 3-Dwight Steel, and PICE 4-Capitol Engineering.

The tournament will follow a single round-robin format, with the top two teams earning a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

In the quarters, it will be No. 1 versus No. 8, No. 2 vs. No. 7, No. 3 vs. No. 6, and No. 4 vs. No. 5.

The semifinal and championship rounds will be played via knockout affairs.

To ensure that all players get ample playing time, a “barangayan” format will be applied in the first half. The format means each team will have a new starting five after every five minutes of the first two quarters.(CCM)