STANDINGS
CSB 7 2
San Beda 6 3
Mapua 6 3
Letran 6 3
UPHSD 4 5
LPU 4 5
EAC 4 5
JRU 3 6
AU 3 6
SSC-R 2 7
By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
With how the matches were decided in the first-round of the NCAA Season 100 eliminations, expect more drama and electrifying action in the crucial second round of the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.
College of St. Benilde is currently leading the team standings with a 7-2 record, but as things stand, the Blazers can’t take it easy as San Beda, Mapua and Letran are breathing down their necks with similar 6-3 records.
If that is already an exciting scenario, three more teams — University of Perpetual Help, Lyceum and Emilio Aguinaldo College – are not far behind as they occupy the fifth to seventh places with 4-5 marks.
With a stroke of luck, Jose Rizal University and Arellano – with 3-6 cards- and even the cellar-dweller San Sebastian (2-7) could contend for playoff berths if they do well in the second round which starts this Friday.
St. Benilde coach Charles Tiu is relieved to finish on top following a statement 84-69 win over JRU last Tuesday, Oct. 8, but admitted they have not accomplished anything yet.
“We’re happy that we’re number one, but obviously, we would have wanted a bit more breathing room kasi dikit-dikit lahat ng team,” said Tiu.
“Definitely we need to continue to work kasi wala pa kaming naa-accomplish, so we have to make sure to stay sharp in the second round when it matters,” he added.
San Beda coach Yuri Escueta, whose team guns for back-to-back championships, echoed the sentiment and hopes for more growth from his stalwarts heading to the next round.
“Marami pa kaming kailangang ayusin, but we’re getting there,” Escueta said after the Red Lions dismantled last season’s bridesmaid Mapua Cardinals, 76-69, in overtime.
“Hopefully after nine games, naka-adjust na sila sa NCAA type of game and atmosphere,” he added.
