NCAA bares tie-up with ABS-CBN

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), in partnership with the ABS-CBN group through Studio 23, opens its 78th season on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum with defending champion San Sebastian College looming as title favorite.

Using the theme "Pursuing the Culture of Peace through Sports," NCAA president Fr. Anscar Chopungco of San Beda College has formally launched the 78-year-old cage hoopla with a new partner in Studio 23, which will telecast games live.

"With ABS-CBN as our new partner, the NCAA has regained its glamor and basketball tradition," said Chopungco, who was one of the eight board members who attended the event’s launching yesterday.

Retaining the core of last year’s champion team, the Stags start their title-retention bid when it clash with the University of Perpetual Help-Rizal Altas in the finale of a heavy four-game bill at 8 p.m. at the Dome.

A lavish opening ceremony at 1 p.m. kicks off the NCAA which will be followed by games between Mapua Institute of Technology and Philippine Christian University at 2 p.m., Letran College and host San Beda at 4 p.m. and College of St. Benilde and Jose Rizal University at 6 p.m.

Expected to carry the Arturo Valenzona-mentored SSC squad are veterans Christian Coronel, Jam Alfad and Roy Falcasantes, all of whom are playing their last season. — Joey Villar