SSC launches title bid vs UP in Champs League

Defending NCAA champion San Sebastian College takes on University of the Philippines while University of Manila clashes with Philippine Christian University today when the Grudge Games of Champions League 2003 resumes at the Makati Coliseum.

The Stags and the Fighting Maroons collide at 4 p.m. following the UM-PCU encounter at 2 p.m.

In Tuesday’s opening sponsored by Petron, Milo, San Miguel and PCSO, Las Piñas College stunned University of Perpetual Help-Rizal, 89-80, while University of Santo Tomas narrowly beat Jose Rizal University, 81-79.

Jamal Viscara led the Tigers with 21 points and Iago Raterta added 16 and Derek Hubalde 14 points.

But it was Don Villamin who saved the day for UST, draining a 3-point shot that shattered a 77-all game.

Marco Fajardo had 27 points for the Heavy Bombers. Kenneth Coyukang added 13 and Wynsohn Te 11 points, his long 3-point heave back-rimming at the buzzer.

"Wala akong katao-tao. Nasa PBL yung iba. Pinilit lang talaga makapukpok," said UST coach Aric del Rosario.

On June 21, St. Benilde takes on Adamson while De La Salle battles Letran. Philippine Maritime Institute clashes with San Lorenzo on June 24 followed by the game-pitting Ateneo against San Beda.

Up next on June 26 are Philippine School of Business Administraton against National University and University of the East versus Lyceum before the pre-tournament winds up with St. Claire/Caloocan-University of Assumption/Pampanga and St. Francis-Far Eastern University on June 28.

Games start at 2 p.m. Nine schools from this phase will receive invitations to the Round of 32 finals in