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MANILA, Philippines – University of the Philippines has set its sights on defending its throne in the 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup tipping off this March 18.

But the Maroons, the winners of the last two editions of the premier preseason tilt, need to do so without key cogs Francis Lopez, JD Cagulangan, and Quentin Millora-Brown after spreading their wings.

If ever they get successful, the Diliman side can claim the Amb. Eduardo “Danding” M. Cojuangco, Jr. (ECJ) Perpetual Trophy for good.

Rey Remogat will be joining forces with Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, and Terrence Fortea as they try to keep the maroon ship afloat.

Rival La Salle is just as hungry, with coach Topex Robinson trotting out a rejigged crew bannered by transferees Jacob Cortez, Kean Baclaan, Mason Amos, and Luis Pablo for this redemption tour.

READ: UP Fighting Maroons are UAAP Season 87 men's basketball champs

University of Santo Tomas, led by Nic Cabañero and Forthsky Padrigao, as well as Adamson, Far Eastern University, University of the East, and National University complete the UAAP Group as teams play a single round robin format with only the top four teams advancing.

Not to be outdone is the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball champion Mapua which will still be leaning on the leadership of Clint Escamis.

Giving the Cardinals a run for their money in the NCAA Group are nemesis Benilde, alongside San Beda and LPU. Rounding out the field are Emilio Aguinaldo College, Letran, Arellano, Perpetual, San Sebastian, and Jose Rizal University.

The top four teams from each group progress in a crossover quarterfinals, with the victors advancing to the knockout semifinals, and finally, a best-of-three championship series.

Chairman Virgil Villavicencio, commissioners Joe Lipa and Bert dela Rosa, tournament director Bennett Palad, and marketing and finance head Diana Layug will once again lead the summer cage tilt at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.