Arch rivals SBC, Letran clash

San Beda College tries to shake off the rust from a long break as it guns for win No. 4 and the solo lead against archrival Letran Wednesday in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

Gametime is 4 p.m. with the former three-time champ Red Lions hoping to come out sharp despite coming off a 14-day layoff.

Clashing in the opener at 2 p.m. are the Arellano University Chiefs (1-2) and the University of Perpetual Help Altas (0-4), two teams which are hoping to rebound from contrasting setbacks.

The Red Lions, owing to their height advantage and deeper bench, are the favorites against the Knights, but San Beda coach Frankie Lim isn’t so upbeat about their chances especially after their shaky 69-64 win against Mapua on July 9 gives one an idea that he expects a war against the Knights.

"Honestly mahihirapan kami (against the Knights) because they really play a very good defense. Letran has only two defense: tough and tougher," Lim said.

While a fierce battle is expected on the court, the San Beda-Letran tiff is also expected to rekindle the animosity between Letran coach Louie Alas and SBC asistant coach Ed Cordero.

Both coaches engaged in a word war during a game at the preseason tournament Filoil last May 22 which sparked a near fight at the scorer's table.

Both coaches were thrown out of that game, which the Red Lions won via forfeiture after the Knights walked out to join their mentor in the middle of the third quarter.

Games Wednesday (The Arena, San Juan)
10 a.m. — Arellano vs Perpetual
12 noon — San Beda vs Letran
2 p.m. — Arellano vs Perpetual
4 p.m. — San Beda vs Letran