ASIAN Institute of Maritime Studies, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas and St. Dominic College of Asia shared opening-day limelight as the 30th season of the National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) formally got underway last Friday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

AIMS pulled off a thrilling 92-78 victory over defending champions Immaculada Concepcion College.

DLSU-Dasmariñas relied on Ronroy Bunda and Giushoa Griffin Santiago to edge University of Luzon, 98-90, while host St. Dominic College of Asia rode on Didoy Proel hot hands to roll back Bestlink College of the Philippines, 75-61 Meanwhile, Samahang Basketboll ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Erika Dy congratulated the NCRAA.

“Today you celebrate 30 years of excellence. I think bago pa pinanganak yun estudyante dito at saka mga player natin nandiyan na yong NCRAA providing opportunities for our student athletes.

Not only to hone their skills on the court. But also to develop their character. To become holistic individuals. So congratulations on that,” said Dy in her speech during the opening ceremony.

“I hope our dear athletes do not take this for granted. Our organizers always take to heart to make sure that you have a level playing field. A state of the arena. To play in. And of course officials, who are really equipped to make sure that the best is brought out of you. And I think this is your role. To give your best and leave it all on the court. Because it’s only push yourself to the limits that you can achieve a high level of competition.” added Dy.

Jerico Peralta led AIMS with 23 points on 7-of-14 shooting, while Danny Datwin Jr. contributed 14 points, eight rebounds, and three steals.

Mark Aizen Reyes also added 10 points and nine rebounds for coach Kiko Flores.

Alfred Flores and Totoy Ramirez combined for 42 points in a losing effort .

Flores tallied 22 points and six assists, while Ramirez contributed 20 points, seven rebounds, and five assists for coach Ogie Gumatay.

In the opening game, DLSU-D relied on Ronroy Bunda and Giushoa Griffin Santiago to launch its campaign on a high note.

Bunda finished the game with 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Santiago contributed 20 points, six rebounds, and three assists for coach Tito Reyes Jr.

Rogelio Calagos delivered a double-double performance with 18 points and 10 assists, while PJ Delos Santos and JL Rasonable chipped in with 15 and 12 points, respectively.

Jhomel Sansano led UNL’s effort with a game-high 31 points, along with seven rebounds and six assists.

Pepito Panganiban and Datu Borja also contributed 16 points each for coach Byron Jake Vidal.

Proel’s 26 points propelled St. Dominic to victory over Bestlink College.

Proel shot 9-of-20, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out three assists in 29 minutes of play. Edward Daquioag and Ivan Ares each added nine points, while Cyd Capulong contributed eight points for coach Bong Dela Cruz.

Aaron Reyna led the scoring for Bestlink with 11 points, while John Leonard Aguilar and Louis Cu each contributed nine points.

BJ Sanchez and Anthony Ambrocio Jr. added eight points apiece for coach Edwin Punio.

Earlier, Naomi Henave of DLSU- Dasmarias was crowned as the NCRAA Best Muse.

The other participating muses are Akishia Mae Bernal (AIMS), Rexie Torrella (BCP), Raschael Ryan L. Amarante (Centro Escolar University), Viktoria Dorothy Anne Lotivio (Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite), Jasmine Bituin (Lyceum of the Philippines University-Laguna), Kaitrin Zia Marcelo (Olivarez College), Julianne Rose Reyes (PATTS College of Aeronautics), Blessery Gayle Parado (Philippine Merchant Marine School), Angelika Dela Cruz (SDCA) Daphne Lim Jimenez (UNL) and Germine Kate Macasija (ICC).