The much-awaited 101st season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) officially tipped off on October 1, 2025, with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Araneta Coliseum. With a powerful theme, “Building Greatness,” spectators have all eyes on Mapúa University, which takes on a unique and proud dual role this year, serving as both the official host of the season and the reigning Seniors’ Basketball champion.
The day begins with star-studded festivities, starting with the power trio Sparkle hosts Martin Javier, Anjo Pertierra, and Ashley Ortega, a spectacle of solemnity from the prayer sung by Asia’s Soul Flair Songstress Aicelle Santos and the Mapúa Cardinals Chorale, an electrifying collective dance performance by students from participating NCAA schools, and the breathtaking song number by Queendom Divas Hannah Precillas, Thea Astley, and Naya Ambi.
Season 101 Policy Board President and Mapúa President and CEO Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo also delivered a powerful message, highlighting that this year’s theme is not just a slogan but a call to action. “Greatness is not measured only in victories or trophies but in the integrity we uphold, the discipline we live by, and the positive change we bring to our schools and our nation… The NCAA stands firm, integrity is non-negotiable,” Dr. Maestrecampo said.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairperson Patrick Gregorio also graced the ceremonial kick-off, showcasing the government’s full support to the league. Recognizing the NCAA's deeply-rooted commitment to the foundation and development of Philippine sports, Chairperson Gregorio emphasized the agency’s desire for continued collaboration, stating, “Whatever help the NCAA needs from the PSC, just let us know, so we can work together on your excellent programs.” This message solidified the partnership between the country’s premier collegiate league and the government’s leading sports body.
The grand opening ceremony gave way to the day's high-octane climax: the much-anticipated Seniors’ Basketball double-header: the Senior Basketball matches between Mapúa Cardinals vs. LPU Pirates (1st game), and San Beda Red Lions vs. Benilde Blazers (2nd game). It was here that the Mapúa Cardinals Men’s Basketball team, carrying the dual mantle of champion and host, immediately delivered on their promise of greatness.
Kicking off their title defense, the team secured a pulse-pounding, 90-89 double-overtime victory against the tenacious Lyceum of the Philippines University. This thrilling, nail-biting win was a decisive display of grit and composure. Best Player of the Game JC Recto underscored the team's preparation, specifically crediting their relentless defensive mechanism in the double overtime periods as the ultimate key to claiming their first, momentum-setting win.
Fueling the Cardinals' unyielding drive was the entire Mapúan community, which rallied in spectacular fashion, transforming the stands into a roaring sea of gold. This fervent support underscored the massive expectations the team now faces.
The hard-fought victory serves as the first tangible evidence of Mapúa's strategically focused off-season. Having embraced the challenge of defending the crown, the coaching staff and players dedicated themselves to rigorous preparation, including an emphasis on mastering the league’s new tournament format. Their competitive edge was sharpened by high-level international training, notably through their participation in the FISU World University Games in Germany earlier this year. This commitment to world-class readiness ensured the Cardinals launched Season 101 not just with a win, but with a statement that truly embodies the theme, “Building Greatness.”
With the explosive basketball opener successfully concluded, the NCAA Season 101 now transitions into a full sporting marathon. The entire field of ten member schools—including the Arellano Chiefs, CSB Blazers, EAC Generals, JRU Heavy Bombers, Letran Knights, LPU Pirates, Perpetual Help Altas, San Beda Red Lions, San Sebastian Golden Stags, and of course, the Mapúa Cardinals—will now be put to the ultimate test, vying for athletic supremacy across every sporting event. The initial, hard-fought, closed-score tournament has definitively set the standard and the heat of the competition. Having immediately showcased their championship grit and the successful translation of their rigorous training into a dramatic victory, the Defending Champion Mapúa Cardinals have signaled that their title defense is the defining storyline of the season. The journey promises unmatched thrill, resilience, and action—fans are highly encouraged to stay tuned as the Cardinals strive to turn this perfect start into sustained, season-long dominance.
