Lions clash with Blazers, Altas debut vs Bombers

MANILA, Philippines — San Beda and St. Benilde meet in an early clash of league titans as Perpetual Help starts its campaign under new coach Olsen Racela, facing Jose Rizal U in the third play date of NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena today.

The Lions smashed the Lyceum of the Philippines U Pirates, 79-63, to start their title defense while the Blazers grounded the Mapua Cardinals, 78-65, in last Saturday’s inaugurals at the MOA Arena.

The Lions and the Blazers fight for the early tournament lead in their 2:30 p.m. dispute, following the keenly awaited Altas’ season debut with Racela versus the Bombers at 11 a.m.

San Beda and St. Benilde are considered the teams to beat but Perpetual and JRU could be right there among those ready to contend for the Final Four.

Racela, among coach Tim Cone’s deputies in the Ginebra team in the PBA, is wading into NCAA wars with a mix of eight holdovers and a number of rookies tipped to make immediate impact.

The returnees for the Perpetual team of Dr. Antonio Tamayo are Christian Pagaran, John Cedric Abis, JP Boral, Angelo Gelsano, Richard Movida, Jearico Nuñez, Shawn Orgo and Nath Sevilla.

Fresh from high school stint are Gojo Cruz and Ruvic Danag. Other rookies are Axl Rose Javier, Axl and Bryan Manuel, Iñigo Montemayor, Bryle Mascariñas, Ralph Caguiran and Emman Pizarro.

“Pinaghandaan ko ang Season 100, kasi last playing year ko as a collegiate player. Hinanda ko rin ang sarili kong maging leader and maging role model para sa mga teammates ko, especially the rookies,” said skipper Pagaran.

JRU coach Louie Gonzales, meanwhile, will bank on veterans Shawn Argente, Mart Barrera, Lance Benitez, Wayne De Leon, Joshua Guiab, Jonathan Medina, Sidney Mosqueda, Patrick Ramos and Vince Sarmiento.