SAN Beda University opens its title defense against host Lyceum of the Philippines even as serious contenders Mapua and College of St. Benilde face off in Saturday’s historic NCAA Season 100 inaugurals before an expected full house Mall of Asia Arena crowd.
Coming out of nowhere to snatch their league-best 23rd senior basketball championship a year ago, the Lions are expected to go all out to replicate their title conquest as they tangle with the equally dangerous Pirates at 2:30 p.m.
For the Cardinals, fancied to beat the Lions in the finals, but ended up stumbling in the end, and the Blazers, heavy favorites a year ago, but couldn’t live up to it, will try to bury the ghost of their painful past as they collide at 5 p.m.
Yulien Andrada vowed to carry the load of the Lions, alongside Romel Puno and James Payosing, who were all vital cogs in last year’s improbable but successful run, and fill in the vacuum left by Jacob Cortes, who left for La Salle.
“It will not be easy but I will do my best to lead by example,” he said.
San Beda coach Yuri Escueta said they’ve gotten past thinking of those who left the team and instead focus on the big job at hand.
“I’d rather focus on the players who stayed,” he said.
LPU mentor Gilbert Malabanan, on the other hand, promised to make the school and their supporters proud.
“We’re just going out there to compete and try to win,” said Malabanan.
Mapua will brandish reigning MVP Clint Escamis, who will need to double his efforts after Warren Bonifacio and Paolo Hernandez already left for the pros.
“It will still be a team effort,” said Escamis.
The Blazers, third placers a year ago, will parade a generally new team with only four players remaining from last season’s roster including newly minted team captain Mark Sangco.
“Our goal is to improve on our showing last year and hopefully contend for a championship,” said CSB coach Charles Tiu, who has picked up transferees Allen Liwag, Justin Sanchez and Tony Ynot.
Games Saturday (MOA Arena)
12 p.m.- Opening Ceremonies
2:30 p.m.- San Beda vs LPU
5 p.m.- Mapua vs CSB
