The NCAA Season 101 kicked off on Wednesday, October 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with reigning champions Mapúa Cardinals defending a nail-biting 90-89 victory over the Lyceum Pirates in double overtime.
With team captain Clint Escamis fouling out late in regulation, the Cardinals turned to veteran forward JC Recto, who delivered in the clutch.
Recto finished with 16 points and nine rebounds, making key baskets and defensive stops in both overtime periods that proved decisive against a resilient Lyceum squad.
The defending champions were pushed to their limits as the Pirates refused to back down, forcing two extra periods behind their relentless pressure and timely shooting.
But Mapúa’s composure in the closing minutes, highlighted by Recto’s leadership and the supporting cast’s hustle, sealed the hard-fought win.
The Cardinals’ dramatic double-overtime win was followed by another duel between the De La Salle–College of St. Benilde Blazers and the San Beda Red Lions wherein the latter pulled away late in the fourth quarter to secure a 96-85 victory over the Blazers.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH digital, chairman of the NCAA management committee (MANCOM) for season 101 Melchor Divina shared that beyond the court, the MANCOM has prepared several support programs for student-athletes this season.
These include a new tournament format splitting 10 teams into two groups, a partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission for wider access to training facilities and officiating, and a holistic approach to athlete development focusing on mental health, academics, and career readiness.
In line with its partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the NCAA teams will have wider access to PSC facilities for training and recovery, along with additional support in equipment, coaching, and officiating.
Divina also highlighted that the athletic association is pushing an improved NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) principle, which seeks to educate student-athletes on how to manage their personal brand and maximize opportunities under the NIL rules.
"Layunin ng MANCOM na hindi lang athletic performance ang pagtutuunan ng pansin kundi pati 'yong mental health, academics, at career development ng mga student-athletes," MANCOM Chair Divina said.
The next set of NCAA Season 101 games is scheduled on October 3 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, where all 10 member schools will continue their first-round assignments. The venue, which has long served as one of the league’s main hubs, will host a full slate of doubleheaders in the coming weeks as the tournament progresses.
Opening the San Juan schedule are two matchups: the Perpetual Altas taking on the San Sebastian Stags in the first game, followed by a showdown between the Letran Knights and the JRU Heavy Bombers in the second game.
