For winning a record sixth straight title and 21st overall in the NCAA, San Beda College has been installed as heavy favorite to rule the 3rd Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) Ironcon Builders Cup which fires off Nov. 8.
The Red Cubs fell short in their bid to win the only championship missing in their collections after absorbing a 108-102 triple overtime loss to the San Sebastian College Staglets in last year’s final.
With Joshua Caracut and Nikko Abatayo at the helm, the Red Cubs outlasted the Cardinals, 78-65, over the weekend to become the winningest school in the NCAA.
With their latest success, the Red Cubs are now fully motivated to go all the way this time and add the PSSBC to its list of titles.
“For becoming the winningest team in the NCAA, San Beda is now the team to beat this year,” said PSSBC chair Jimi Lim of Ironcon Builders. “They have all the ingredients to become a champion again.”
“San Beda showed great character,” said Jumbo Plastic Linoleum owner and PSSBC vice chair Jimmy dela Cruz. “They are very disciplined.”
Out to spoil San Beda’s bid in the tournament also backed by Rain or Shine, Blackwater-Ever Bilena, Dickies Underwear, Hapee Toothpaste, Freego and MEC are reigning UAAP champion National University, Chiang Kai Shek College and Mapua.
The CKSC Dragons are coming off a title win over the Ateneo Eaglets in the recent Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Cup.
Ateneo, inaugural champion Hope Christian High School, Xavier, Far Eastern U, University of the East, Letran, Jose Rizal U and St. Stephen’s HS are also participating.