WHAT a difference a title triumph makes.
Reigning NCAA champion San Beda is bracing for what could be a tough bid for a second straight crown when the league’s 100th basketball tournament stars this Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The Red Lions are embracing the challenge, according to San Beda coach Yuri Escueta.
“Having targets at our backs, ever since na dumating ako sa San Beda or kahit noong wala pa ako dito, San Beda always had targets at the backs so it’s not new to us,” Escueta said yesterday during the new season’s launch at the Coral Way Lobby of the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. “But again, we won a championship last year, we know how teams will always go hard against us.
“It’s a privilege for us that teams respect iyong team namin every time we play so para masuklian lang din naming, of course, kailangan naming maghanda,” he added.
The Mendiola-based cagers kick off their drive when they battle the season hosts Lyceum Pirates at 2:30 p.m. after the opening ceremonies at noon.
Last cage wars’ bridesmaid Mapua faces College of St. Benilde at 5 o’clock.
“Ten decades have passed and the NCAA continues to grow and flourish, remaining strong and resilient. The country’s first athletic collegiate league has already produced many icons and legends who exemplify the league’s 100 years of excellence in sports,” 100th season Policy Board President Atty. Roberto Laurel of Lyceum said.
“As we celebrate the centennial season this year, we recognize everyone who is part of the journey–from those who have inspired legacies in the past 10 decades to those who continue to strive for sportsmanship today and tomorrow. Expect this season to be the most exciting yet,”
The Lions will have to make do without star playmaker Jacob Cortez who moved to La Salle in the UAAP, and Peter Alfaro and JV Gallego who have graduated.
New skipper Yukien Andrada, Nygel Gonzales, James Payosing, Jomel Puno, Emman Tagle, Joshua Tagala, and AJ Royo will be counted upon by San Beda to deliver.
“Just like last year, we’re preparing every game kahit sino ang kalaban namin,” Escueta said. “We know in the NCAA, kahit sino puwede kang talunin so we can’t take anything for granted, just like what happened last year.”
