Red Cubs eye to regain NCAA crown

San Beda Red Cubs are champions once again. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

San Beda aims to regain the juniors title in the coming NCAA Season 93 after seeing its eight-year reign end at the hands of Mapua last year.

However, the Red Cubs will have to make do without four of their key players in Germy Mahinay, Ry dela Rosa, Robi Nayve and Eduardo Velasquez Jr., who are nursing injuries.

“Our preparation has been hampered by these injuries,” said San Beda coach JB Sison during the PSA Forum on Tuesday at Golden Phoenix Hotel in Pasay City.

Expected to play a bigger role in the absence of the four are Samuel Abu Hijle, Evan Nelle, Joshua Tagala, Prince Etrata and Pedro Alfaro III.

San Beda also has a winning tradition in the juniors division, having won a league-leading 23 championships with 23. Mapua is second with 19 titles.

Sison said Mapua is still San Beda’s biggest hurdle in its bid to recapture the crown.

“Of course, Mapua is the team to beat with an almost intact line up. La Salle-Greenhills, San Sebastian and Letran have also improved,” he said.

Juniors action starts on Sunday with San Beda facing San Sebastian at 1 p.m. and Mapua clashing with Arellano University at 3 p.m.