Red Cubs seek back-to-back PSSBC crown

MANILA, Philippines - Fresh from setting another record in the NCAA, San Beda College goes for another feat when the fourth Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Cup unfolds Dec. 12 at the San Beda College gym.

A month after claiming its seventh straight and 22nd overall NCAA crown by beating the Arellano U side, the Red Cubs seek to become the first back-to-back champion of the tournament dubbed as “Battle of Champions.”

“They have a good chance of making history as the first back-to-back champion of the tournament,” said PSSBC chairman and Jumbo Plastic Linoleum owner Jimmy dela Cruz. “But the other teams will be out to stop them.”

“That makes this tournament unique since we invited only the top teams of the three premier leagues in Manila to take part in this tournament,” said PSSBC vice chairman Terry Que of Rain or Shine. “This is our fourth edition, so I’m sure a new champion will emerge.”

Hope Christian High School won the inaugural staging of the event also sponsored by Rain or Shine, Freego, Dickies Underwear, Blackwater Sports, Hapee Toothpaste, Ironcon Builders, and MEC Networks by beating San Sebastian College-Recoletos.

The Staglets, however, bounced back the following year, outlasting the Red Cubs in triple overtime, 108-102.

The Red Cubs made up for that defeat by crushing the Xavier Stallions, 89-59, last year to become the second team from NCAA to win the PSSBC diadem.

Meanwhile, Edster Sy of the organizing committee said the coaches meeting will be held on Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. at San Beda gym.