GMA Network treats collegiate sports fans to a hard court action like no other as the National Collegiate Athletic Association of the Philippines (NCAA) Season 97 Basketball Finals airs this Sunday live on GMA and GTV at 3 PM.
Aptly dubbed as the “Battle of Intramuros,” the finals will see defending champion Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) go up against Mapua University (MU). Game 1 of the best-of-three series is scheduled this Sunday, May 15, at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Undefeated entering the finals, the Letran Knights looks to extend its dominant run this season and again take home the men’s basketball championship. Expected to lead the Knights is high-flying forward Rhenz Abando, together with Fran Yu, Jeo Ambohot, and Mark Sangalang.
The Mapua Cardinals, on the other hand, are returning to the finals for the first time after 31 years. The Cardinals are looking to Warren Bonifacio, Arvin Gamboa, Joaquin Garcia, Jasper Salenga, and Paolo Hernandez as it tries to end the team’s three decade championship drought.
“We are very excited with the match-up of Letran and Mapua in the finals. This basketball season is indeed a historic one. We didn’t only see the return of contact sports, we likewise welcomed our live audience back to our games. I would like to congratulate all our hard-working basketball teams for giving their best in every game. Thank you to all the schools and to GMA for your continued support,” shared NCAA Season 97 Management Committee Chairman Manuel Raymund Castellano, Jr. of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde.
“GMA Network, through Synergy, is proud of our student-athletes who soldiered on and sacrificed being away from their families and love ones so that they could train and represent their schools this season. Every game they played was a testament to their hard-work and dedication and we are just happy to be part of their journey. We are thankful to the NCAA Policy Board and Management Committee for this amazing partnership. As long as we work ‘Stronger Together. Buo ang Puso,’ nothing can stop us from solidifying NCAA’s place as the country’s premier collegiate league,” said GMA Regional TV and Synergy First VP and Head Oliver Victor Amoroso.
Game 1 of the NCAA Finals will be anchored by Synergy Sports host Martin Javier. Joining him are guest analysts strength and conditioning coach Martin Antonio and Philippine basketball legend Jerry Codiñera.
Sports fans should also look out for The Clash alumni Vilmark Viray, Nef Medina and Garrett Bolden who are set to further liven up the halftime excitement this Sunday.
Don’t miss the NCAA Season 97 Men’s Basketball Finals on May 15, May 22, and May 29 (as needed) airing live on GMA and GTV at 3 PM. Get your tickets via www.ticketmax.ph.
Catch the livestream on the NCAA Philippines website (www.gmanetwork.com/ncaa), NCAA Philippines Facebook page and YouTube channel, and GMA Sports’ Facebook and Twitter pages. Kapuso abroad can catch all the action via GMA News TV International.
For more updates on NCAA, visit its official website www.ncaa.com.ph. Follow @ncaaphilippines, @gmasynergy, and @gmasportsph on social media.
