The San Beda Red Lions and the Mapua Tech Cardinals wrapped up their first round campaign on a high note as they beat their respective opponents the Letran Knights and the JRU Heavy Bombers two days ago. The win put the Red Lions on top of the standings with a 6-1 card while Mapua settled in fourth with 4-3. Letran and JRU have opposite records with the Knights having a 6-1 standing and JRU, 1-6. Letran slides down to second place, by the virtue of win over the other, because of identical standings with San Beda. PCU is in third place (5-2) followed by Mapua Tech, San Sebastian (3-4), Perpetual Help (2-5), JRU, and this year's host CSB (1-6).
The College of St. Benilde Blazers have had tough times in recent years, after their last NCAA finals appearance in 2002. The Blazers have been constantly rebuilding and retooling their lineup, with coaching changes here and there. Come Season 82, the Blazers succumbed against a veteran Letran team in the first game of the tournament. However, they prevented a losing streak to greet them after their second game as the Blazers struck hard against the Perpetual Help Altas, 79-76, with Martin Urra leading the way with 20 plus points. But that became the only bright light in their first round campaign. The rest of the league just went past them. (more...)