Previous Story
Mobil cage league opening pushed back
|
Posted on Feb 26 2006
The opening of the 6th Annual Mobil Oil Invitational Co-ed Invitational Basketball League will be delayed by a bit and will kick off in early March.
League commissioner Abner Venus is currently in the Philippines and will return sometime in the first week of March. The league, originally was scheduled to begin this month, is expected to kick off shortly after his return.
Leading the list of teams already confirmed to duke it out for the coveted title is defending champion Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan—formerly Dai-Ichi Hotel Saipan Beach.
Looking to dethrone the champs are host Mobil Oil Marianas, Commonwealth Ports Authority, Aqua Resort Club, Hyatt Regency Saipan, McDonald’s, Commonwealth Utilities Corp., Microl-Toyota, the CNMI Women’s National Team, and newcomer Saipan Ice, which replaces Pacific Development Inc.
As in the past, all teams must have at least two female players. At least one female player must be on the court at all times during the first and third quarter, and male players will be whistled for technical fouls if they defend a female cager, except when the team plays the CNMI Women Nationals.
The six teams with the best records in the regular season will advance to a single elimination playoffs, with the top two getting first round byes.
Among the awards to be presented this year include champion, pennant champion, regular season and playoffs most valuable players, first, second, and third runners up, Mythical Five, female MVP, and sportsmanship.
Last year, Dai-Ichi won the championship against host Mobil, 130-114, benefiting from its merger with sister team Tan Holding Corp. The team fielded a powerful lineup led by 2005 MVP Elmer Esdrelon and a Japanese import in cage belle Noe Okahira.
The Mobil crown was previously worn by Tan Holdings (2001), Microl (2002), PDI (2003), and Aqua Resort Club (2004).
