INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines - The NCAA is taking precautionary measures against the influenza A(H1N1) virus just 10 days before the 85th season of the country?s oldest varsity league kicks off.

?We are discussing moves to secure the possibility of zero spread during the games through thermal scanning and other means available at our disposal,? league president Fr. Mat de Jesus of host San Beda said in a statement Wednesday.

De Jesus said the board also approved the recommendation to cancel this week?s ABS-CBN College Wars, a preseason basketball tournament pitting the UAAP and NCAA teams.

?[It will] allow individual teams and players to prepare for the season through well deserved rest,? said De Jesus.

?No changes as far as the NCAA schedule is concerned,? said NCAA management committee chair Jose Mari Lacson of San Beda.

Three-time champion San Beda will open its bid for a fourth straight crown against Mapua on June 27 at 2 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.

Jose Rizal University, last season?s runner-up, will take on Letran also on opening day at 4 p.m.