The 2017 Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges (UPAC) Basketball Championship rolls out this weekend.

Eight tertiary institutions will begin the journey to clinch the coveted trophy at the University of Ghana basketball court.

The stage has been set for what is expected to be an explosive two-day event in the Ghanaian capital, Accra between April 7-8, 2017.

Defending champions University of Ghana must dig deep to retain their trophy while last year’s losing finalist Accra Technical University will be aiming to win their third crown.

University of Cape Coast, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), All Nations University College, University of Development Studies (UDS-Tamale) and Marshalls University College complete an impressive cast.

The champions faces a tough challenge to defend its title after drawing tough opponents including last year’s bronze medallist KNUST and the reigning Private Universities Sports Association Games (PUSAG) Basketball Champions, Marshalls University.

Twice winners Accra Technical University find themselves in a relatively easy group comprising All Nations University College, University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) and University of Development Studies (UDS-Tamale).

The 2017 UPAC finals is expected to attract top personalities including the country’s sports minister Isaac Asiamah as well as the chairman of the Ghana Basketball Association David Addo-Ashong.

The 2017 UPAC Basketball Championship is sponsored by Ecobank, Goil and Decathlon.