By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

The seventh edition of the UFO Inter-Organizational Basketball tournament will kick off in April, according to United Filipino Organizations president Ramon Awit.
Awit said they are planning to open the annual tournament on April 15.
He added that there will be two division contests.
“We will have a division for 40-and-above players and the Open division,” Awit said.
The UFO head is encouraging interested teams to start forming their rosters. He also advised coaches and team managers to coordinate with league officials on other details regarding the tournament.
Awit said they are starting the league late, as they want to hold the championship game during the celebration of Philippine Independence on June 12. The league began the 2006 season early in October, 2005.
Last year, 11 teams competed for the 2006 crown. They were Visminda, Samahang Ilokano at Pangasinense, Samahang Manggagawang Filipino-Shell, CNMI Power, 287 Club-McDonalds, Cavite-Country House, BIBAK-Island Card, Cabalen-RP Transcon, MDX-Armatech, NAMFREl-Sabungero, Bayani and LIPS-Mobil.
SIP won last year’s championship beating Cabalen in a best-of-three title series, 3-2.
SIP prevailed in Game 1, 88-79, but failed to sweep the series when Cabalen bounced back in Game 2 with a 99-85 triumph.
SIP ended the series with a 95-86 win in the deciding Game 3.
Cabalen’s Randy Arnedo claimed the regular season Most Valuable Player award, while Edsel Mendoza grabbed the Finals MVP trophy. Mendoza was also a member of the Mythical Team.
Other awardees last season were Mythical Team members Elmer Esdrelon of SIP, Jun Estolas of Mobil and Ronald Delos Reyes and Dalewin Cortez of Cabalen.
McDonald’s William Opone was named Rookie of the Year.
UFO also cited the players who topped the game’s statistics.
LIPS’ Rowell Aranda took the Best in Scoring trophy, MDX’s Marlon De Dios won in the rebound department, Cavite’s Chris Domingo in steals, VisMinda’s Bing Marasigan in free throws, SIP’s Bryan Flores in three pointers, Cortez in blocked shots and VisMinda’s Jawn Joyner in assists.