Published October 4, 2025 3:18pm
Updated October 4, 2025 3:18pm
NCAA Season 101. Jonathan Manalili (Letran) and Bryan Sajonia (San Beda). (Photos: Thomas Villanueva)
San Beda University and Colegio de San Juan de Letran will figure in an early rivalry match-up as the two powerhouse schools square off on Sunday in NCAA Season 101.
The Red Lions (1-0) and the Knights (0-1) lock horns at 2:30 p.m. at the Filoil Centre, with both squads aiming to build on contrasting results from opening day.
San Beda and Letran had different starts to their respective campaigns. The Red Lions pulled away late en route to a 96-85 win against De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde — their Final Four tormentor last season — last Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the stacked Knights, seen as one of the teams to beat this year, suffered a shock loss to Jose Rizal University, as the Heavy Bombers eked out a 73-69 escape on Friday.
The impending clash could also serve as an early gauge of how the rest of the Group B race will unfold.
San Beda is focused on the bigger picture, placing value on every game in their bid to reclaim the crown.
“Our goal is really just to win our first game of the season and siyempre kailangan naming bumawi not just against CSB, but we want to win the championship back,” San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta said after their opener.
“Marami pa ‘to. It’s just the first day of the NCAA, but this is a welcome win for us, very important for us, especially ‘yung confidence ng team namin.”
The win was a statement for San Beda, with veterans Yukien Andrada and Bryan Sajonia, along with new faces Jimmy Reyes and Janti Miller, making this Red Lions squad even more formidable.
They will be tested by another loaded team in Letran, which features a solid roster led by Kevin Santos, Jimboy Estrada, Jonathan Manalili, Jun Roque, and Mark Dever Omega.
The Knights are eager to bounce back from the four-point loss to JRU that gave them a rough start to the season.
“Oo, makakabawi kami. Simulan namin bukas, bounce back kami sa Sunday. Babawi kami,” team captain Omega said.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
