INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines - Guest squads Arellano University, Emilio Aguinaldo College and Angeles University Foundation debut with modest expectations in the 85th NCAA men’s basketball tournament Monday at The FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Arellano Chiefs and EAC Generals, fierce foes in the NCRAA and UCAA, take their rivalry to the country’s oldest varsity tournament when they collide at 4 p.m.

“We are very familiar with the way Arellano plays,” said EAC coach Nomar Isla, who will rely on brothers Russel and Lowell Yaya and playmaker Argel Mendoza. “But playing in the NCAA is going to be very different.”

The AUF Great Danes, who are coming all the way from Pampanga, battle the St. Benilde Blazers in the first game at 2 p.m.

AUF coach Eric Gascon downplayed concerns over the long travel that could take a toll on his players.

“We got used to it when we played in the Cup last season,” said Gascon.

The Blazers are hoping to improve on their sixth-place finish last season with veterans Jeff Morial, Robbie Mañalac, Anjelo Montecastro and Jacob Manlapaz returning to the fold.

“Our strength is our wingmen,” said Blazers’ first-year coach Richard del Rosario. “I think we have very good wingmen who can match up well with other teams.”

In juniors play, the San Beda Red Cubs followed up the resounding opening-day win of their senior counterparts by crushing the Mapua Red Robins, 122-42, Sunday at the San Juan Gym.

Al Gotladera collected 13 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Adam Abatayo and Arthur dela Cruz contributed 17 points each for the Red Cubs, who are hoping to give long-time coach a fitting sendoff this season.

Badolato, who has steered the school to 15 of its 16 high school crowns since taking over the coaching chores in 1972, said he will quit as coach of the juniors team this season and focus on his duties as athletic director of the school.

Meanwhile, the Letran Squires overwhelmed the Jose Rizal Light Bombers, 95-77, behind Jarelyn Tampus’ 32 points and Glenn Khobuntin’s 28 points and 25 boards.

The scores:
First Game
SAN BEDA 122—Gotladera 18, Abatayo 17, Dela Cruz 17, Amer 12, Moralde 11, Ludovice 10, Sara 10, Chavez 8, Nazareno 5, Nayve 5, Monteclaro 5, Dela Costa 2, Javier 2, Amin 0.

MAPUA 42—Valdez 13, Basas 8, Alejandro 7, Mena 4, Aviso 4, De Castro 4, Reyes 2, Dela Cruz 0, Abad 0, Macalino 0, Sevilla 0, Castillo 0, Targa 0.
Quarters: 33-8, 55-18, 89-27, 122-42

Second Game
LETRAN 95—Tampus 32, Khobuntin 28, Ongtengco 6, Cabigas 6, Maravilla 5, Cabahug 5, Cruz 4, Inigo 3, So 2, Reyes 2, Roxas 2, Crisologo 0, Cudal 0.

JRU 77—Vigil 29, Saret 15, Garcia 14, Dela Paz 11, Oliveria 4, Yasa 3, Barranco 1, Tanquintic 0, Fegidero 0, Ludovice 0.
Quarters: 22-12, 45-40, 73-60, 95-77