San Beda dumps Perpetual Help on NCAA opening day

MANILA, Philippines – No Daniel, no problem.

Defending champion San Beda ran roughshod over an overmatched host University of Perpetual Help, 82-52, in the opening game of the NCAA Season 87 Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The win stretched the Red Lions historical run to 19 games dating back to last season.

“It’s a good start for us and good message to the league that we’re looking for another championship without Sudan [Daniel],” said San Beda Coach Frankie Lim.

And the message is clear: San Beda, sans Daniel, is still the deepest team in the 10-squad league with a slew of reliable players led by skipper Garvo Lanete.

This time though, it was the Red Lions’ bigs who forefronted their onslaught.

Jake Pascual and Dave Marcelo each had a double-double while forward Rome Dela Rosa topscored with 15 points for San Beda, which posted 33-point leads thrice.

Pascual scored 12 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while Marcelo stepped up in place of Daniel with 10 points, 15 boards and three blocks.

Satisfied, Lim though, doesn’t want to be overconfident on his squad’s domintaing triumph.

“We played against a depleted line up, so I expected this [blowout win],” said San Beda coach Frankie Lim.

The Altas, who are under new coach Jimmy Gican, were paced by Harold Arboleda and Chris Elopre with eight points apiece.

Earlier, pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao attended the opening ceremonies of the 87th season with the theme “Brazen as 87.”

Pacquiao, who rose from poverty to become one of the world’s most iconic boxers, relived his childhood struggles and how he drew strength from his determination to survive and achieve his dreams from boxing.

“NCAA is an instrument for the dreams of the Filipino sports heroes,” said Pacquiao in his keynote speech before a jampacked Araneta Coliseum.

“Learn from your losses, share your victories with your loved ones and never forget your school,” Pacquiao finished.

The opening ceremonies featured the men’s basketball teams of the 10 participating schools, the cheerleading squads and a newly introduced drumline exhibition.