Beyond The Sidelines

Category: NCAA 102

  • Hubilla Shines as JRU Deals Benilde Its First Loss, Stays Unbeaten

    Hubilla Shines as JRU Deals Benilde Its First Loss, Stays Unbeaten

    Photo Credits: shotbyjzyI/nstagram.com

    The Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers remained unbeaten in NCAA Season 102 after holding off the College of Saint Benilde Blazers, 73-69, on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

    JRU built a 16-point lead before Benilde mounted a strong comeback in the fourth quarter. The Blazers eventually took a 66-65 lead with just over two minutes remaining, but the Heavy Bombers stayed composed in the closing minutes to secure the win.

    The Heavy Bombers showed control early in the game, creating separation from the Blazers and maintaining their advantage for most of the contest. However, Benilde refused to go down quietly and continued to pressure JRU as the game reached its final minutes.

    Hubilla Makes His Presence Felt

    Chris Hubilla delivered an all-around performance for JRU, finishing with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks to earn Player of the Game honors.

    Lawrence Mangubat also provided a major offensive contribution with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Jalen Garcia added 11 points. Their performances helped JRU withstand Benilde’s late push and improve to a 2-0 record.

    The combined effort from JRU’s key players allowed the Heavy Bombers to maintain their composure despite Benilde’s comeback. With multiple players contributing on offense and defense, JRU found enough plays in the final minutes to secure the victory.

    JRU Holds Off Benilde’s Comeback

    The Heavy Bombers entered the final quarter with an eight-point advantage, 58-50, but Benilde gradually erased the deficit behind Justine Sanchez and Jhommel Ancheta.

    Benilde’s comeback shifted the momentum in the fourth quarter, putting JRU under pressure after the Heavy Bombers had controlled much of the game. The Blazers continued to attack and eventually moved ahead, 66-65, with just over two minutes remaining.

    The final stretch showed JRU’s ability to respond when the game was on the line. Despite losing its double-digit advantage and allowing Benilde to take the lead, the Heavy Bombers managed to regain control and protect their unbeaten record.

    The victory gives JRU another strong result early in NCAA Season 102 as the Heavy Bombers continue their run in Group A. Meanwhile, Benilde will look to regroup after suffering its first setback of the season.

  • San Beda Adds to NCAA’s Strong Showing Against UAAP Teams

    San Beda Adds to NCAA’s Strong Showing Against UAAP Teams

    San Beda University continued the NCAA’s strong showing against UAAP opposition after the Lady Red Spikers defeated the University of the East, 3-2, in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge.

    The victory gave San Beda its second straight win after previously snapping its winless start with a five-set victory over reigning NCAA champion Colegio de San Juan de Letran. The Lady Red Spikers entered the match with a 1-2 record, while UE also carried the same mark.

    San Beda Holds Off UE

    San Beda and UE battled through a tight five-set contest, with the Lady Red Spikers eventually securing the victory to improve their position in the standings.

    The result gives San Beda another confidence boost after its earlier breakthrough against Letran. The team showed its ability to stay composed in a close match and finish strong against a competitive opponent.

    NCAA Teams Making Their Mark

    San Beda’s victory adds to an interesting trend in this year’s V-League, where NCAA teams have continued to challenge established UAAP programs.

    Arellano University, one of the tournament’s unbeaten teams, has already defeated UST in a five-set battle and remains perfect at 4-0. Benilde has also competed closely against UAAP opposition, while San Beda has now secured wins against both Letran and UE during its V-League run.

    The results highlight the competitiveness of the V-League, where teams from the NCAA and UAAP are given the chance to face each other outside their respective leagues.

    San Beda Gains Momentum

    For San Beda, the win over UE is more than just another victory on its record. After struggling to find its footing early in the tournament, the Lady Red Spikers now have back-to-back wins and are beginning to build momentum.

    With the NCAA and UAAP teams continuing to go head-to-head, San Beda’s latest victory adds another chapter to the growing competition between the two collegiate leagues. The Lady Red Spikers will look to carry this momentum into their succeeding matches as they continue their V-League campaign.

  • NCAA Season 102 Basketball Coaches Ready for New Season

    NCAA Season 102 Basketball Coaches Ready for New Season

    NCAA Season 102 basketball coaches are putting the finishing touches on their strategies as they prepare for another battle on the hardwood.

    Season 102 Tips Off September 13

    The NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament opens on September 13, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

    Teams will look to make an early statement. Coaches will also test their rotations, defensive schemes, and offensive plans once the games begin.

    The season will feature another competitive field as teams chase a spot in the later rounds.

    NCAA Season 102 Basketball Coaches Prepare

    Defending champions San Beda University will begin their title defense against the College of Saint Benilde at 2 p.m.

    Colegio de San Juan de Letran will then face the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA at 4 p.m.

    San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta will lead the Red Lions into another title campaign. The team will also deal with several key departures from last season.

    Meanwhile, Benilde coach Charles Tiu will continue to build around reigning NCAA MVP Allen Liwag.

    Juniors Join the Battle

    The Juniors division will also take part in the new season. Young players will compete under the same groupings as their respective Seniors teams.

    The league will keep its three-phase group-stage format. However, the No. 4 team in each group will now receive a twice-to-beat advantage in the play-in round.

    That change could make every game more important as teams fight for better positions.

    Coaches Ready for the Challenge

    As September 13 approaches, coaches must turn their plans into action. New lineups and strategies will face their first major test once the ball goes up.

    For the NCAA Season 102 basketball coaches, preparation will be only the first step. Their ability to adjust during games could decide how far their teams go.

    NCAA Season 102 begins on September 13.