The NCAA makes its long-awaited homecoming to familiar ground, with Mapua University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde renewing their rivalry in a finals rematch at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum in the NCAA Season 101 on Tuesday.
The reigning champion Cardinals and the Blazers meet for the first time this season — and for the first time since last year’s finals showdown that saw Mapua end its 33-year title drought.
This time, the stakes may not be higher, but history is on the line as the NCAA returns to its storied venue.
The last time the Rizal Memorial Coliseum hosted the NCAA was back in 2006, marking nearly two decades since the league last graced the historic venue.
That’s why the upcoming matchup carries a wave of nostalgia for the league, particularly for Mapua head coach Randy Alcantara. In 1990, he and the Cardinals hoisted the NCAA trophy at the very same venue.
"Parehas siguro naming first time na babalik [sa Rizal Memorial] kasi last time ko doon was during my playing years pa with Mapua. First time kong pumunta sa Rizal nu'ng Team B ako, nanonood lang ako ng JRU at Mapua no'n," Alcantara said.
"Si Vergel Meneses [ando'n] and sabi ko someday makakalaro din ako sa historic gym na 'to. Thank God, nakalaro ako sa gym na 'yun and nakalaban ko siya nu'ng last year ni Vergel kasi 'yun ang idol ko."
(It's probably the first time for both teams returning there because last time was during my playing years with Mapua. My first time to go to Rizal was when I was on Team B, I was watching JRU and Mapua then... Vergel Meneses was there and I said someday I would be able to play in this historic gym as well. Thank God, I played in that gym and I played against him in his last year, because Vergel was my idol.)
Alcantara is hoping to replicate that victory against the Blazers in their Season 101 encounter with both teams coming off a much-needed break.
The Cardinals are fresh off a morale-boosting 85-78 win against Emilio Aguinaldo College last Tuesday where the squad was able to end a three-game slide.
Clint Escamis returned to his old form in that victory, dropping 20 points together with four rebounds, four assists, and two steals as they improved to 4-4 in Group A. They will now take on Benilde for their final assignment in the crossover elimination.
The Blazers, on the other hand, are also coming off a victory following a 70-67 comeback win against Lyceum of the Philippines University behind Shawn Umali and Allen Liwag.
Benilde head coach Charles Tiu said facing Mapua again after almost a year would be a good challenge to his crew, especially that the Blazers are trying to solidify their top two spot in Group B.
"I'm excited and worried at the same time. Worried because today, Clint Escamis showed his form again and mamaya sa amin pa puputok 'yan, we still have nightmares from the last finals," Tiu said.
"But it should be a good challenge."
(I'm excited and worried at the same time. Worried because today, Clint Escamis showed his form again and we're wary that it might be against us when he explodes again, we still have nightmares from the last finals... But it should be a good challenge.)
Mapua and Benilde lock horns at 11 a.m. before the 2:30 p.m. clash between San Beda University and Lyceum.
San Beda, currently the top team in Group B with a 6-2 slate, is looking to bounce back after a triple overtime loss to league-leading University of Perpetual Help System DALTA last Wednesday.
But the Pirates can’t be counted out, with Ato Barba and Renz Villegas determined to snap Lyceum’s three-game skid that came from narrow losses to Jose Rizal University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, and Benilde.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
