NCAA: San Beda eyes quick semis entry in QF opener vs. Perpetual

Defending champions San Beda University will be looking to clinch an outright semifinals berth when it locks horns with the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in the NCAA Season 102 quarterfinals.

The Red Lions and the ALTAs will clash in the playoffs, with the Mendiola crew holding a twice-to-beat advantage as it looks to extend its streak of Final Four appearances to 21 straight years.

There had been a lot of doubts for San Beda prior to the season, especially after the graduation of Yukien Andrada and Bryan Sajonia, the injury of Nygel Gonzales that forced him to sit out the entire season, and the transfer of Janti Miller.

But time and again, the Red Lions have proven their ability to rise above any situation.

In the ongoing Season 102, San Beda remains the team to beat with new heroes emerging for the defending champions. Aldous Torcular became the new heart and soul of San Beda with Jimmy Reyes, Andrei Ugaddan, JC Bonzalida, and Bismarck Lina backstopping the former UP player.

They will look to flaunt that depth and proven championship mentality against Perpetual.

The ALTAs, however, are also eyeing a major upset, especially after gaining momentum from their win over San Sebastian in last Thursday’s play-in encounter.

Mark Gojo Cruz is expected to lead Perpetual, but the ALTAs have plenty of other weapons in their arsenal. Jim Corpuz, Shawn Orgo, LA Casinillo, JM Tulabut, and Angelo Gelsano have all stepped up for Olsen Racela’s squad and could provide the added firepower needed to challenge the Red Lions.

—JKC, GMA News