Games today:
12 pm - SSC-R vs Arellano
3 pm - San Beda vs EAC
San Beda University and Emilio Aguinaldo College will look to avoid sinking to a 0-2 hole while San Sebastian College-Recoletos will make its debut in the NCAA Season 98 on Tuesday.
San Beda and EAC, who were both luckless in their respective opening day games, will clash at 3 p.m. while San Sebastian tangles with Arellano University in the opening salvo at 12 p.m.
The Red Lions failed to solve the Mapua University puzzle last Saturday, absorbing a 66-55 loss to the Cardinals, the same team that knocked them out of championship contention in the Final Four of the previous season.
But head coach Yuri Escueta stressed it's still a long way to go for his crew, putting premium on their next assignment, the EAC Generals. The host school, for its part, came with a gallant stand against Arellano in the season opener but it was not enough as the Chiefs came with a 63-58 squeaker.
"It's a long season and this is the first game. The level that Mapua is in, they are a top two team," said Escueta.
"Nagscout na kami pero manonood kami ng video so titignan namin kung ano ginagawa nila tsaka individuals. Magaling individually, magaling ang mga players sa NCAA."
The loss to Mapua also snapped San Beda's opening-day win streak that dates back to 2006. Against EAC, San Beda is expected to continue to rely on veterans James Kwekuteye, Ralph Penuela, JB Bahio, and Peter Alfaro.
"So we need extra effort, extra shooting, and work harder inside. Just stay positive. You make turnovers inside, pick yourselves up."
Meanwhile, San Sebastian will finally make its season debut as the Golden Stags take on the Chiefs.
But they are up for a huge challenge as the momentum is definitely on the side of Arellano, who thumped EAC with newcomers Shane Menina, Cade Flores, and Travis Mantua as well as Axel Doromal leading the way.
—JMB, GMA News
