Cubs-Robins tiff kicks off NCAA junior caging

GAMES TODAY (Filoil Flying V Arena)
12 nn—San Beda vs Mapua
2 p.m.—JRU vs Arellano

A replay of last season’s title showdown kicks off the action in the 91st NCAA juniors basketball tournament Monday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

San Beda, looking to extend its reign to a seventh straight championship, squares off with Mapua in the first game at 12 noon.

Jose Rizal University and Arellano tangle in the other match at 2 p.m.

Although tipped as favorites, the Red Cubs brace for a challenging title defense due to their retooled roster.

“We have a different team this year because most of our seniors have already graduated so we expect a really tough season,” said Red Cubs coach JB Sison.

But Mapua mentor Randy Alcantara thinks otherwise, pointing to the winning tradition that made the Cubs the most decorated team in the league with 21 championships.

“We know that San Beda is being sustained by its basketball system and program,” said Alcantara. “They  remain hard to beat regardless of the players who are available.”

The Robins came close to pulling off an upset last year as they dragged the Cubs to a winner-take-all Game 3 in the title series.

Pushed to the limit, the Cubs managed to get past the Robins in overtime in the thrilling decider for a record sixth straight crown and 21st overall title that surpassed Mapua’s previous record of 20.  Jasmine W. Payo