MANILA, Philippines—With a threat of a protest hanging over their heads, the San Beda College Red Lions gun for a share of the lead against the University of Perpetual Help Altas on Monday in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

The SBC-Perpetual clash is set at 2 p.m. with the Lions trying to keep their focus after their 71-54 victory over College of St. Benilde Friday was questioned over Sam Ekwe’s failure to wear the proper uniform.

Toting similar 1-4 records, Philippine Christian University and San Sebastian College meet in the final game at 4 p.m. with the winner breaking out of a three-team tie at last place.

St. Benilde officials are expected to decide Monday whether they will pursue their protest against the Lions. They have until Tuesday to submit their protest letter.

“We lost the game convincingly but we’re also caught in a tight situation because the rules also need to be followed,” said St. Benilde coach Gee Abanilla.

He said he was told by tournament commissioner Joe Lipa during the first game of the season that the uniform rule would be strictly implemented.

San Beda coach Frankie Lim insisted Friday night he did not notice anything wrong with Ekwe’s uniform, which NCAA management committee chair Ding Lozano said was different from those of his teammates.

Lozano said league rules state that players not wearing the proper uniform are not eligible to play. And because Ekwe was fielded, the Lions could lose the match by technicality.

The Altas are coming off a 63-62 defeat to Letran College in a game where they led by as many as 20 points only to fold up in the final half.

After slumping to four straight losses, the PCU Dolphins finally seized their first victory at the expense of the Altas, 65-61, last week.

San Sebastian is coming off two narrow setbacks to Letran, 71-67, and San Beda, 84-83. Cedelf P. Tupas