One of the fiercest rivalries in college basketball comes to the fore again today.
San Beda set out to claim the solo lead as it renews its rivalry with Letran in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
A victory in the 4 p.m. showdown with the Knights will allow the Red Lions to forge ahead of the defending titlist San Sebastian Stags, who hold a piece of the lead with a 3-0 record.
Struggling Arellano and winless Perpetual Help collide in the first game at 2 p.m.
The Chiefs have lost three straight since winning their first assignment over Emilio Aguinaldo College, 82-72.
The Altas, who had two players disqualified days before the start of the season, are winless in four matches.
“We’re expecting a tough game,” said San Beda coach Frankie Lim, whose squad will play their first game in two weeks since downing Mapua, 69-64.
San Beda and Letran offer more than just a showdown on the court.
Last season, the game was marred by near brawl after the final buzzer. The violence escalated on the stands as pockets of fans were seen fighting and throwing debris on the court.
A pre-season game in May ended prematurely with the Knights walking out in the third quarter in a protest over officiating.
Letran coach Louie Alas, this time, is more concerned of how to overcome San Beda’s height advantage and bench depth.
“Matchup problem—they’re huge and long plus very physical defensively,” said Alas, who steered the school to championships in 1998, 2003 and 2005.