NCAA Season 102 opens with four top teams in Final Four rematches

MANILA, Philippines—Four of the best teams from Season 101 duke it out on opening day of the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on September 13.

Two rematches from last year’s semifinals headline the opening-day slate, starting with a grudge match between College of St. Benilde and San Beda at 2 p.m.

READ: NCAA: San Beda embraces tough challenge as team to beat

The Red Lions had to pass through the Blazers in the semifinals last season before eventually winning the Season 101 title at the expense of Letran.

The Knights, coincidentally, close out the day at 4 p.m. with a semifinal rematch against Perpetual Help.

Backed by Rookie and Freshman of the Year Titing Manalili, Letran takes on a young and gritty Altas squad led by Mark Gojo Cruz.

READ: Chito Victolero, Jamike Jarin add firepower to NCAA coaching ranks

Following the Sunday opener, the league will hold games on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with no weekend games aside from opening day.

The league will also make its return to the Philsports Arena during the elimination round.

After making a historic homecoming at Rizal Memorial Coliseum last year, the NCAA continues its trip down memory lane on September 21 when it returns to the nostalgic Pasig complex.

The first playdate at Philsports will feature a double-header, with Lyceum facing Mapua before Perpetual Help takes on San Sebastian.

On Oct. 25, the legendary rivalry continues as Letran and San Beda rekindle their feud from last year’s Finals at San Juan Arena.