SAN Beda and Mapua began their respective NCAA men’s basketball tournament campaigns on a bright note at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The Red Lions ripped Arellano University, 85-61, spoiling the debut of new Chiefs coach Chico Manabat.

Seeking redemption after Season 98 debacle, the Cardinals clobbered San Sebastian, 80-70, giving new Stags mentor John Kallos a rude welcome.

San Beda and Mapua joined opening day winners Jose Rizal University and Lyceum of the Philippines University for the early lead.

Third-year guard Jacob Cortez led the Lions’ attack with 16 points and five assists, while Damie Cuntapay logged a double-double outing with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Warren Bonifacio was solid for the Cardinals with 16 points, eight rebounds, three steals and two blocks while rookie JC Recto introduced himself with 15 points, nine boards and four steals.

The scores:

First game

San Beda (85) – Cortez 16, Payosing 13, Cuntapay 13, Andrada 12, Alfaro 11, Puno 5, Visser 4, Jopia 4, Tagle 3, Gonzales 2, Gallego 2, Torres 0.
Arellano (61) – Ongotan 16, Capulong 10, Valencia 8, Camay 7, Talampas 6, Mallari 3, Dayrit 3, Villarente 2, Abastillas 2, dela Cruz 2, Sunga 2, Yanes 0, Rosalin 0, Geronimo 0
Quarterscores: 24-15; 57-26; 74-46; 85-61

Second game

Mapua (80) – Bonifacio 16, Recto 15, Escamis 12, Hernandez 12, Sopriano 8, Cuenco 6, Rosillo 5, Dalisay 3, Asuncion 2, Bancale 1, Morenos 0, Fornis 0.
SSC-R (70) – Are 18, Ecobido 13, Calahat 10, Desoyo 9, Felebrico 6, Una 5, Gabat 4, de Leon 3, Shanoda 2, Sumoda 0, Gabat 0, Aguilar 0.
Quarterscores: 12-18; 39-36; 57-45; 80-70.

Games Wednesday

(Filoil EcoOil Centre)
2 p.m. – Perpetual vs EAC
4 p.m. – Letran vs Lyceum