For the first time in NCAA history, Mapúa and Benilde will face off for all the glory in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball finals.
The top-seeded Cardinals booked their return trip to the finals this centennial season after ousting Lyceum, 89-79.
READ: Mapua makes way back to finals after mowing down Lyceum
With a winning mindset, coach Randy Alcantara’s team is more than ready to break a 33-year championship-less spell, thanks to the consistent efforts of Season 99 Rookie MVP Clint Escamis alongside ace players Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mangubat.
The Blazers, meanwhile, cruised to a lopsided 79-63 victory vs. now-dethroned San Beda, which was denied a spot in the finals for the first time since Season 80.
READ: Allen Liwag-led Benilde leaves no doubt in dethroning San Beda
Headed by coach Charles Tiu, the Taft-based squad is all geared up to go all-out to end a 24-year wait for a championship - with top players Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot, and Jhomel Ancheta taking the lead.
“This centennial season of the NCAA is indeed a historic and remarkable one, as this is the first time in the history of the league that we will be seeing the face-off between the Benilde Blazers and the Mapúa Cardinals in the finals,” shared Season 100 Management Committee Chairman Hercules Callanta.
“The historic, action-packed battle between Mapúa Cardinals and Benilde is must-see for all NCAA fans and sports enthusiasts," said Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso.
"This centennial season of the Philippines’ first collegiate league is all about inspiring legacies — and through GMA Network, we are about to witness highly skilled and passionate individuals who will be part of the NCAA legacy.”
Game 1 will be live on GMA and Heart of Asia on Sunday at 2 p.m., broadcasting straight from the historic Araneta Coliseum.
Livestreaming will also be available via the social media pages of GMA Sports and NCAA.
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