Knights battle Stags in 'NC' kickoff

MANILA, Philippines - The NCAA officially opens the varsity cage season today with an explosive twin-bill pitting host Letran and last year’s runner-up San Sebastian and Jose Rizal against Mapua before an expected sellout crowd at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

With their stars all accounted for and most of their off-court issues settled, the Knights are bringing in an intact roster ready to contend for the crown while the Stags remain formidable with Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang at the helm, ensuring an exciting battle in the 5 p.m. opener.

An elaborate opening rites is set at 4 p.m. with Letran presenting a highly entertaining program marking the 88th staging of the country’s oldest collegiate basketball league.

The Bombers and the Cardinals, meanwhile, tangle in the 7 p.m. main game.

Both matches will be aired live on AKTV on IBC13.

Letran’s all-around guard Kevin Alas has recovered from a foot injury and should be near top form while its frontcourt group of Jam Cortes, Jonathan Belorio and Raymond Almazan are raring to do battle against the league’s best big men.

The 6-6 Almazan, whose rebounding and shot-blocking skills earned him a spot in the Mythical team last year, reportedly had plans of skipping the season but changed his mind at the last minute with an eye on less than a championship.

“Knock on wood, we’re healthy and ready to wage a war this season,” said Letran coach Louie Alas, seeking to steer the Muralla-based school to its first title since going all the way six years ago.

But the Knights’ mettle will be put to test early as they face the Stags, one of the early title favorites who boast of the hard-working, high-leaping Abueva and the talented Sangalang with Ronald Pascual regaining his old fiery form after sustaining an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury last year.

“In the meantime, (Pascual) he will see limited minutes as he tries to find his game shape back,” said San Sebastian mentor Topex Robinson. “So for now, we will have to rely on Calvin and Ian and the bench more.”

The Bombers, meanwhile, hope to prove their worth as title contenders after turning in an impressive finish in the Fr. Martin Cup as they take on the undermanned Cardinals.

Mapua will be without Gab Banal, Joseph Eriobu, Mark Brana and Jessie Saitanan due to residency issues.

“As we speak, I haven’t received any appeal from them so the four Mapua players in question will not be allowed to play,” said Management Committee chair Fr. Vic Calvo, OP, of Letran.

It was a big blow to Mapua’s campaign after the Cardinals decided to drop 6-6 Yousef Taha from its roster.

“He will be out for the season because he (Taha) is settling something back in his home,” said Mapua coach Chito Victolero.

Reigning champion San Beda, meanwhile, opens its title retention campaign on Sunday as it takes on a vastly improved Arellano U side at The Arena in San Juan City, which will host most of the league’s elimination round games.

The Lions, however, will be playing with just six players – Art dela Cruz, sophomore Christian Dave Moralde and rookies Francis Abarcar, Antonio Bonsubre, John Mark Ludovice and Ritchie Villaruz – as the rest were suspended for their involvement in a brawl late last year.

Nigerian rookie center Olaide Adeogun have been sacked for four games while Baser Amer, Anjo Caram, Rome dela Rosa, Ryussei Koga, Carmelo Lim, Jaypee Mendoza, Jake Pascual, Kyle Pascual and Michole Sorela were slapped with one game suspension each.

Letran and San Beda have the most senior basketball championships with 16 apiece.