Defending champion San Beda tries to regain a share of the lead when the Lions tangle with the skidding Letran Knights today in the NCAA basketball tournament at San Juan Arena.
Knocked off the lead by San Sebastian with an 80-71 victory last Monday, San Beda remains a slight favorite in its 6 p.m. duel with a Letran side that got waylaid by Jose Rizal, 101-83, also three days ago.
The wins boosted the Stags and the Heavy Bombers on top at 7-2 as the Lions dropped to 6-2.
The Mapua Cardinals and the Arellano Chiefs, tied in the middle of the standings at 3-5 behind Letran (4-4), collide in the first game at 2 p.m.
San Beda coach Ronnie Magsanoc is expected to make key adjustments after their loss to the Stags, who led by as many as 22 points behind their own version of the Big 3 in Calvin Abueva, Ronald Pascual and Ian Sangalang.
One concern for the Lions is the fact that, like San Sebastian, Letran is a team built around strong players like Kevin Alas who can explode any time.