SSC-Letran tiff kicks off 86th NCAA

MANILA, Philippines - Reigning NCAA champion San Sebastian will take on Letran while last year’s runner-up San Beda will face Jose Rizal when the 86th NCAA basketball season unwraps June 26 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The opening day schedule of the country’s oldest collegiate league was announced in yesterday’s turnover ceremony from last year’s host San Beda to this year’s host San Sebastian in simple rites at The Pearl Manila.

San Beda rector Fr. Mat de Jesus, OSB, officially transferred the hosting rites to San Sebastian president Fr. Anthony Morillo, OAR, as the 86-year-old league braces for another successful staging this year.

“It was a successful season and it will be a big challenge for us to duplicate, if not surpass, it,” said Morillo, who took over the top post in San Sebastian last year.

Frank Gusi, who has also taken over as chair of the management committee from Jose Mari Lacson, said they’ve already started preparations, particularly in the much-anticipated basketball competitions.

The league also welcomed Arellano U and EAC, represented by Peter Cayco and school president Dr. Jose Paulo Campos, respectively, as its new members, making it a nine-school field.

The Chiefs and the Generals are now regular members although on probationary status.

Morillo also announced that volleyball would now be played in the second semester instead of in the first semester to give the sport a bigger television coverage.

“We’re moving volleyball to highlight it in the second semester and to give it more exposure,” he said.