Squires all bald, brawny

MANILA, Philippines — The all-bald Letran Squires crushed the Jose Rizal U Light bombers, 102-64, yesterday and kicked off their back-to-back bid in NCAA junior basketball on a high note at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The Squires, who shaved their heads, from the coaches to the players, were like a killing machine in nailing their first win of the season.

“I always tell the boys its not just about winning, it’s about how you play the game,” said Letran coach Allen Ricardo. “Ultimate goal is to help them get to the next level, that’s why I push them hard.”

The Squires played minus their heart and soul from a year ago, Andy Gemao, who left and flew to the United States to chase his US NCAA Division I dream.

Earlier, Mapua, a Final Four finisher a year back, launched its own campaign with a bang following an 82-78 squeaker over Arellano U while University of Perpetual Help rode on Lebron Jhames Daep’s all-around effort in an 89-75 win over Lyceum of the Philippines U to seize a piece of the early lead.