Fancied Perpetual, San Beda eye strong semis start vs separate foes
At A Glance
- University of Perpetual Help System Dalta and San Beda eye strong starts against their respective foes when the best-of-three semifinal action fires off in the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Tuesday, Dec. 2.
(GMA/NCAA Images)
University of Perpetual Help System Dalta and San Beda eye strong starts against their respective foes when the best-of-three semifinal action fires off in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Tuesday, Dec. 2.
After finishing in eighth place last year, the Altas, who bagged the No. 1 seed in Group A, seek payback against the Letran Knights, who dealt them a 63-56 defeat in the eliminations.
Match is set at 11 a.m.
Meanwhile at 2:30 p.m., Group B leader Red Lions and last year's runner-up College of St. Benilde Blazers clash in an exciting showdown of powerhouse schools.
Fresh off an 81-74 quarterfinal win over Jose Rizal University, Perpetual is a heavy favorite against Letran thanks to the guidance of head coach Olsen Racela and a slew of reliable gunners in Mark Gojo Cruz, Patrick Sleat and Jearino Nuñez.
Meanwhile, Titing Manalili and Jimboy Estrada banner the Knights along with big man Kevin Santos.
Yukien Andrada looks to savor his final year with the Red Lions, who rolled past Lyceum Pirates, 91-67, in the quarters, when they target a roaring start against the Blazers.
Andrada and Co. are facing a daunting challenge with Benilde as their rivals, especially with reigning MVP Allen Liwag returning to duty.
In the junior games, Mapua and Arellano collide at 8:30 a.m., while Emilio Aguinaldo College and Letran conclude the day at 5 p.m.