Colegio de San Juan de Letran will kick off its bid for back-to-back titles when it squares off with Jose Rizal University on Saturday in the NCAA Season 99 juniors basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Squires, who almost swept the entire season last year en route to their first title in 22 years, will take on the Light Bombers at 2:30 p.m. to headline the quintuple-header on the opening day.
Letran will start its title retention campaign without its key star in Andy Gemao, who has since suited up for the Veritas Academy National Prep in the United States.
However, even in the absence of the 6-foot high-flying guard, the Squires remain as formidable.
Steering the Allen Ricardo-helmed squad is the core led by George Diamante, who was named last season's Defensive Player of the Year alongside his co-awardee in Paul Enal. Joining him are Jovel Baliling, Jonathan Manalili, Syrex Silorio, and Justine Hugo, who were all instrumental in their Season 99 run.
READ MORE | NCAA Season 99 Juniors Basketball tournament
Meanwhile, last season's Final Four cast Mapua University and Arellano University will open hostilities at 9 a.m. while University of Perpetual Help System DALTA will tangle with Lyceum of the Philippines University at 11 a.m.
San Beda University, who had a stelar campaign last season, will face off with San Sebastian College-Recoletos at 4:30 p.m. before College of Saint Benilde-La Salle Green Hills opens its redemption drive against Emilio Aguinaldo College at 6:30 p.m.
After the opener, all games will be held regularly on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays in the same venue.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
