Basketball fever returns to Davao City as the Escandor Inter-Collegiate Cup 2025 tips off on August 9 with grand opening ceremonies at the newly refurbished Davao City Recreation Center (formerly Almendras Gym).
Under the supervision of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Region XI Chapter, the tournament will feature 20 collegiate teams vying for supremacy in one of Mindanao’s most anticipated basketball events.
“These teams will be grouped into four brackets for the elimination round,” said SBP-XI Regional Commissioner Atty. Francis Calatrava during the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum held Thursday, August 7, at SM City Davao. “The top four teams from each bracket will advance to the semifinals, with the winners moving on to the championship game.”
Among the early favorites are Ateneo de Davao University, University of Mindanao, Holy Cross of Davao College, and Jose Maria Colleges. However, dark horse contenders such as Philippine Women’s College of Davao, San Pedro College, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Cor Jesu College of Digos, and University of Mindanao–Tagum are expected to challenge the frontrunners.
The top 10 teams from the elimination round will automatically qualify for the Davao Schools Athletic Federation Incorporated (DSAFI) tournament, which kicks off this September.
“We’re inviting students and the community to come out, support their schools, and enjoy the games. This promises to be a major tournament,” Calatrava added.
Adding star power to the opening ceremony at 8 a.m. are PBA player Francis Escandor of the Phoenix Fuel Masters and former PBA standout Peter June Simon, both expected to grace the festivities.
