San Beda launched its title retention bid by crushing University of Cebu, 103-63, while former champion Chiang Kai Shek College fired a strong warning to its rivals at the start of the Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) Rain or Shine Cup on Saturday at SGS gym in Quezon City.
It took only two quarters for the Red Cubs to disarm the Baby Webmasters in Group B.
The Red Cubs held the Cebuano dribblers to just 26 points while exploding for 66—thanks to the hot-shooting duo of Winston Ynot and Rhayyan Amsali who combined for 39 points and 16 boards.
James Incio and Ice Blanco—son of former Philippine Basketball Association hotshot Dondon Hontiveros—led the Baby Webmasters with 20 and nine points, respectively.
The Blue Dragons of Tondo also leaned on a torrid start to stun the reigning NCAA champions Mapua Red Robins, 84-75, in Group D action of the 12-team tournament.
Batang Gilas member Rafael Go came off the bench to lead the Blue Dragons with 14 points and 12 boards.
League chair Terry Que, vice chair Eduard Tio and several collegiate coaches were part of the opening-day big crowd.