SBC, Letran clash for ‘NC’ lead

San Beda and Letran clash for the solo lead today even as defending champion San Sebastian seeks to re-enter the magic four against resurgent St. Benilde in the 79th NCAA basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The Red Lions and the Knights collide at 4:45 p.m., each trying to break out of a three-way tie at the helm with the Mapua Cardinals on identical 6-3 slates.

The three-peat seeking Stags (5-4), on the other hand, are out to regain a share of No. 4 spot with the Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers (6-4) in their 1:15 duel with the Blazers.

But the Stags will be up against a fired-up St. Benilde side with the Blazers coming off a three-game win run after dropping all their games in the first round.

"This is it, there is no turning back for us," said St. Benilde coach Tonichi, who is expected to lean anew on the prolific duo of Al Magpayo and Ron Capati.