Female cagers take centerstage in Cebu Hustle 3x3

Sports

IT’S going to be an action-packed weekend in the Queen City of the South as the country’s top female dribblers and visiting participants battle in the Cebu Hustle 3x3 on June 20-21 at SM Seaside City.

Six local squads and six foreign teams will compete in the inaugural staging of the Philippine women's 3x3 international invitational.

"We thank Cebu for embracing our tournament. Ever since we started conceptualizing this event, we've had nothing but support from Cebu and it humbles us so much," said tournament director Peachy Cheng-Medina.

Cheng-Medina considers Cebu as a perfect venue to host the event.

"Cebu is a basketball-crazy city so it's just the right time for us to present women's 3x3 basketball here in Cebu," Cheng-Medina added.

Two Cebu-based teams will try to hold their ground in the tournament.

Move Liloan will be powered by Kath Jumapao, Kristel Pitogo, Lyssa Lubiano, and Sharlene Owatan while University of the Philippines-UP Cebu will have Althea Degamo, Maxim Magbanua, Jessha Banquil, and Lourien Navarro.

"We finally have an international level 3x3 competition coming to town and I'm very excited as a Cebuano fan to see how our top talents compete against I can say the best teams in the region," said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Zone 8 director Popoy Navarro.

The local government units of Cebu Province and Cebu City are throwing their full support behind the event.

"This event is more than just a competition. It is a celebration of the talent, determination, and passion of our women athletes," said Dr. Rhoel Dejano, chairman of the sports commissions in Cebu province and Cebu City.

Other local competing teams are Gilas Pilipinas Women U23 3x3, Uratex Dream, Pilipinas Aguilas, and TOL Patriots.

Visiting teams include Maurice Lacroix and Shinjuku Givers 3x3 from Japan, Shoot It Dragons and CT Tigers of Thailand, EST Jersey of Malaysia, and Singapore's Jumpshot.(CCM)