83rd NCAA Opens

And the 83rd NCAA opening ceremony went on last Saturday (June 23) without me. Haha. As if am a VIP, huh?!

I could've insisted but tickets were sold out. Not surprisingly. Everyone's eyes are on the San Beda Red Lions who were last season's champions. During the first few hours of the event, the entire place was filled with red. I mean, people wearing red. Hihi. Just went to show that the Lions have lotsa supporters not only Bedistas/Bedans but students and fanatics from different schools as well.

It's sad to not really feel the spirit surrounding the place...To just sit in front of the television. You can't feel the real thing. *frowns*

Same as the previous years, it was held at the Araneta Coliseum. This year, it's the Jose Rizal University who hosted the ceremony. As expected, the event began with lotsa introductions and performances by selected students from participating schools. Rizo was also introduced as the season's official mascot.

First game was the San Beda Red Lions vs. JRU Heavy Bombers. As expected, the Red Lions defeated the Heavy Bombers, 91-69. Ended with a 22 point lead.

The Lions almost lost their momentum after a technical timeout in the first quarter. They were not able to make any points during the last few minutes.

Same with the second quarter but this time both teams made no points during the last 40 seconds. The commentators, however, did mention that Samuel Ekwe's the dominant scorer so far for that quarter.

It was in the 3rd quarter that Pong Escobal was able to make his first 3 point shot. The tight defense given by both teams was evident as no point was made again until before the 3 minute mark. It was a 21 point lead for the Red Lions with just two minutes in the ball game. The Bombers were able to bring down the lead after Nocom gave two (2) 3point shots during the 3rd quarter. It's in the same quarter that Ekwe made the smashing alley hoop - dunk, which was also Gatorade's Turning Point of the Game. Yousif Aljamal also made a 3 point shot (assist by Rejomar Menor).

The Heavy Bombers gave a tighter defense in the 4th quarter. Nocom released 2 more 3 point shots and another one from Sena. Despite the Bombers good outside sniping with at least 10 - 3 point shots made, the Lions still proved their dominance maintaining a 20 point lead.

Samuel Ekwe was the Accenture's High Performer of the Game.

Scores:

San Beda Red Lions - 91
Escobal 17, Aljamal 17, Menor 15, Hermida 14, Ekwe 14, Maggay 4, Marcelo 3, Lanete 3, Taganas 2, Gamalinda 2, Tecson 0

JRU Heavy Bombers - 69
Nocom 21, Wilson 12, Pradas 8, Cagoco 7, Sena 6, Hayes 6, Se 4, Agas 2, Lituania 2, Cunanan 0, Kabigting 0, Bulangis 0

Quarter Scores: 21-15, 41-26, 64-44, 91-69

2nd game was Mapua Institute of Technology vs. Colegio de San Juan de Letran. It was a tight game for the two teams. But at the end, Letran got the upper hand and defeated MIT with only 4 point lead, 84-80.

The 2nd game's Accenture High Performer of the Game was Rafael Jazul.

Letran - 84
Jazul 23, Daa 15, Gutilban 10, Quinday 7, Cabonse 6, Dangcal 5, Faundo 4, Guevarra 3, Ranises 3, Del Rosario 3, Melegrito 3, Reposar 2.

MAPUA - 80
Pascual 15, Dela Peña 13, Acosta 13, Del Rosario 12, Co 11, Banal 10, Guillermo 6, Palomique 0, Mazo 0.

Quarter Scores: 22-14, 34-33, 64-59, 84-80

I wasn't able to watch the 3rd game but thanks to Inboundpass I got the result of the game between San Sebastian College Recoletos vs. University of Perpetual Help Dalta System. SSC-R won the game by 3 points, 59-56.

Next game schedule for Wednesday (June 27) at The Arena:

2pm CSB vs MIT
4pm SSC-R vs JRU

The San Beda Red Lions will have a game against UPHD-S on Friday, June 29 same venue at 2pm.