DEFENDING champion San Beda University and College of St. Benilde face off today in the early clash of the league titans for the solo lead in 100th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The Lions smashed the Lyceum Pirates 79-63 that launched their title defense while the Blazers grounded the Mapua Cardinals 78-65, in last Saturday’s inaugurals at the MOA Arena.
Game time is at 2:30 p.m.
Both San Beda and CSB unveiled their newest weapons in the opener with the former parading Bryan Sajonia, a recruit from Far Eastern U who fired 18 points, and the latter unleashing Allen Liwag, formerly of Emilio Aguinaldo who dropped 23 points, 18 rebounds and three blocks.
“Hirap ng sked namin, first two games mabigat agad kalaban,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta.
For CSB mentor Charles Tiu, it was all about defense.
“It was a good game, we started it on defense,” said Tiu referring to their come-from-behind win over Mapua.
Gab Cometa was also a bright spot for the Blazers, as he came off the bench to chip in 17 points.
Making their season debut are Perpetual Help and Jose Rizal University, both are expected to contend and fight out for a Final Four seat at 11 a.m.
Newcomers Tony Ynot, Cometa, along with Allen Liwag shone for the Blazers
Ynot, despite the victory, admitted that the Taft-based squad still has lots of things to improve on, especially team chemistry.
