MANILA -- Last year’s runner up San Beda is raring to claim the top spot in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament as it takes on age-old rival Letran Wednesday at the Arena in San Juan.

Game time is set at 4 p.m. as it tries to get past the idle San Sebastian (3-0) in the nine-member tournament by dumping the Knights (1-2).

“We're expecting a tough game,” said Red Lions coach Frankie Lim.

Letran mentor Louie Alas, on the other hand, seemed to have an early headache due to a taller, deeper San Beda line-up.

“Matchup problem, they're huge and long plus very physical defensively. For us to compete, we have to minimize our turnovers, fight for rebounds and play tough defense,” he said.

Meanwhile, Arellano U and Perpetual aim to recover from their respective slumps as the two collide in the other game at 2 p.m.

The Leo Isaac-coached Chiefs have lost three straight since nipping the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals, 82-72, in season opener while the Boris Aldeguer-mentored Altas has yet to crack its first win as it dropped its first four assignments. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)