For the second straight season, defending NCAA Seniors Basketball champion San Beda University will once again have to navigate the so-called “group of death.”
In the official draw for the NCAA Season 102 tournament held Thursday at the Philippine Columbian Association Sports Club, the Red Lions were placed in Group A alongside the CSB Blazers and the JRU Heavy Bombers.
As in last season, the finalists from the previous year were seeded into separate groups, placing the Letran Knights in Group B.
This year, San Beda — now led by transferees Daniel Marcelo and Aldous Torculas — faces another challenging path early in its title defense.
Benilde will continue to rely on frontline stalwarts Allen Liwag and Justine Sanchez, while JRU will be bolstered by former Mapúa Cardinals Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mabungat, together with sophomore Sean Salvador.
Completing Pool A are rebuilding squads Mapúa and the Lyceum Pirates, now under the guidance of former PBA coaches Chito Victolero and Jamike Jarin, respectively.
Meanwhile, Letran, still anchored by Titing Manalili, was drawn into Group B with Perpetual Help, San Sebastian, Arellano, and EAC.
A total of 13 elimination-round games will be played, with pool matches scheduled from Games 1 to 4 and 10 to 13, while crossover matches will take place in Games 5 to 9.
The top two teams in each group will advance outright to the quarterfinals with twice-to-beat incentives, while the bottom teams will compete in a play-in round.
The semifinals and finals will both be played in best-of-three series.
NCAA Season 102, which San Beda will host, is set to open in September with a new broadcast partner.
