A pair of marquee matchups will get the show running for the historic NCAA Season 100 on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena with a grand opening ceremony set at 12 noon.
Reigning champion San Beda University will begin its title defense against first-time host Lyceum of the Philippines University at 2:30 p.m. which will precede the collision between Mapua University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde University at 5 p.m.
The opening twin bill will see rematches of last year's semifinals pairings with the Red Lions and the Cardinals hoping to repeat over the Pirates and the Blazers, respectively.
San Beda is seen as one of the favorites this season with Season 99 Finals MVP James Payosing, veteran sharpshooter Yuki Andrada, and high-leaping big man Jomel Puno steering the wheel for third-year tactician Yuri Escueta in their post-Jacob Cortez era.
But the Red Lions have more weapons in their arsenal.
Transferees Penny Estacio, Bryan Sajonia, and brothers RC and Richi Calimag as well as former high school standout JC Bonzalida will finally get a taste of NCAA and are tipped to deliver the goods for the title-hungry San Beda.
LPU, meanwhile, is geared to open its maiden hosting with a smashing victory, redeeming itself from a tough Season 99 run that saw them lose to San Beda twice in the semis.
Despite the departure of few stars, the Pirates remain intact and competitive with team captain Greg Cunanan leading the likes of JM Bravo, John Barba, Mclaude Guadaña, and newcomer Desmond Colian.
In the second game, two teams also tagged as title contenders will close out the season opener as Season 99 runner-up Mapua takes on Benilde in a must-see clash.
The Cardinals, bannered by reigning MVP and Rookie of the Year Clint Escamis, are stepping into the new season with only one mission: finish an unfinished business.
After seeing their title hopes get snatched away by the Red Lions last year, the Cardinals have been preparing for this moment as they eye to end decades-long title drought. Joining Escamis in this mission are holdovers JC Recto and Cyrus Cuenco and prized rookies Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mangubat.
Getting on their way, though, are the Blazers, who beefed up their roster over the past year with the addition of talented cagers Tony Ynot, Allen Liwag, Justine Sanchez, and Gab Cometa, all of whom are seen as the pieces that will finally complete the school's dream title chase.
Watch the opening day live at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday. The opening ceremony will air on Sunday, 10:05 a.m., on GMA and Heart of Asia.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
