For the first time in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) history, sports enthusiasts will witness the finale face-off between Mapúa University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in the NCAA Season 100 Men’s Basketball Finals. Catch the action live on GMA Network this Sunday, December 1, at 2 p.m., broadcasting straight from the historic Araneta Coliseum.
The game will be simulcast on GMA and Heart of Asia (HOA) and will have a livestream on the social media pages of GMA Sports and NCAA.
The top-seeded Mapúa Cardinals have booked their return trip to the finals this centennial season after ousting the LPU Pirates, 89-79. With a winning mindset, Coach Randy Alcantara’s team is more than ready to claim the championship crown, thanks to the consistent efforts of Season 99 Rookie / MVP Clint Escamis, and ace players Chris Hubilla, and Lawrence Mangubat. Mapua is aiming to break a 33-year title drought.
The Benilde Blazers, meanwhile, cruised to a lopsided 79-63 victory in the semis against the San Beda Red Lions. This marks the first time since Season 80 that San Beda was denied a spot in the finals round. Headed by Coach Charles Tiu, the Taft-based squad is all geared up to go all out, with top players Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot, and Jhomel Ancheta taking the lead. The Blazers last won a Men's Basketball Championship 24 years ago (Season 76)
“This centennial season of the NCAA is indeed a historic and remarkable one as this is the first time in the history of the league that we will be seeing the face-off between the Benilde Blazers and the Mapúa Cardinals in the finals round. We invite everyone to watch the exciting finals game to give their support to the top 2 teams this season,” shares NCAA Season 100 Management Committee Chairman Hercules Callanta.
“The historic, action-packed battle between the Mapúa Cardinals and the Benilde Blazers for the finals of the NCAA Season 100 is a must-see for all NCAA fans and sports enthusiasts. This centennial season of the Philippines’ first collegiate league is all about inspiring legacies — and through GMA Network, we are about to witness highly skilled and passionate individuals who will be part of the NCAA legacy. To the competing teams, thank you for showcasing the true essence of being a member of the NCAA, and congratulations in advance,” says Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso.
The NCAA Men’s Basketball Finals will be anchored by Synergy Sports host Martin Javier. Joining him is veteran professional basketball player Beau Belga.
Don’t miss the action on the NCAA Season 100 Men’s Basketball Finals – Game 1 on December 1, 2 p.m airing live on GMA and HOA; Game 2 on December 7, 2:30 p.m and Game 3 on December 14, 2:30 p.m. (if necessary) airing live on GTV and HOA.
Catch the livestream on the NCAA Philippines website (www.gmanetwork.com/ncaa), NCAA Philippines Facebook page and YouTube channel, and GMA Sports' social media accounts. Global Pinoys can catch all the action via the international channel GMA News TV.
For more updates on NCAA, visit its official website www.ncaa.com.ph. Follow @ncaaphilippines, @gmasynergy, and @gmasportsph on social media.
