Batang Gilas standout McLaude Guadana delivered 15 points and 13 rebounds for the Lyceum Junior Pirates as they waylaid the Letran Squires, 74-64, yesterday at the start of the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association junior basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
Jaerolan Omandac added 14 points for the Junior Pirates in scoring their first win of the season.
John Barba made eight of 13 points in the first period as the Pirates took charge and never looked back from a 15-8 lead.
CJ Saure had seven of 23 points in the second period for the Squires, who were held to just 12 points in the last 10 minutes of the first half.
Meanwhile, the Mapua University Cardinals are raring to make an impact with new coach Randy Alcantara when the senior division games resume today.
After sending Malayan Red Robins to the finals in the next three season, Alcantara hopes to produce miracles in the Cardinals’ bid this season.
“Excited na ako sa Cardinals. Siyempre, kailangang ibigay ko ang best ko,” said Alcantara, who replaced coach Atoy Co.
The Cardinals brace themselves for action against the University of Perpetual Help Altas at 2 p.m. today at the Arena in San Juan.
Veteran cagers Christian Buñag and Laurenz Victoria are the new leaders of the team, following the graduation of Cedrick Pelayo and Exequiel Biteng.
Sophomores Warren Bonifacio, Eric Jabel and Noah Lugo are expected to make big contributions when they seek to get past their 14-6 win-loss record last year.
The presence of rookies Cyril Gonzales, Paolo Hernandez and Pons Bicharra will be another factor for the Cards.
Gonzales is a scorer from the National University Bullpups, while Hernandez is a 6’2” forward from the Malayan Red Robins. Bicharra is another 6’2” find from Ateneo de Naga.
Hernandez is known for his shooting skills back in the juniors’ divisiob, where he averaged 12.4 points, including 31-of-102 shooting from three, 7.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.4 blocks in his final season.
On the other hand, the Altas are in a state of transition following the graduation of last season’s MVP Prince Eze.
In beating the Cardinals, the Altas will be taking their first step for another semis bid.
“Our main target first is to win every game, until the end of the double elims. Second is to enter the Final Four,” said Perpetual Help coach Frankie Lim.
In other games, the College of St. Benilde Blazers clash at 12 noon with the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals, who will be handled for the first time by coach Oliver Bunyi.
The Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, with new coach Louie Gonzales around, take on the San Sebastian Stags at 4 p.m.