NCAA: San Beda coach expects Bismarck Lina to play late in 1st round

San Beda coach Yuri Escueta during the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.–NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Defending champion San Beda flexed its might in a convincing win over Lyceum despite not being at full strength yet.

The Red Lions overwhelmed the Pirates, 79-63, to open NCAA Season 100 without the services of their blue-chip recruit Bismarck Lina.

Lina, the promising big man, is still recovering from an ACL injury he sustained nine months ago during a stint with Gilas Pilipinas’ 3×3 squad.

READ: NCAA: San Beda, Benilde victorious in Season 100 opening

“Bismarck is already off for nine months since his ACL but we’re not rushing him,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta.

“When he’s ready, you’ll just see him in uniform. He’s with us practicing already.”

Escueta said Lina, the former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroon, could be available as early as midway through the first round or at the start of the second round.

“Earliest return we can see is in the middle of the first round. That’s a conservative guess, also maybe at the start of the second round.”

Rookie Bryan Sajonia powered the Lions against the Pirates with 18 points and five rebounds.