National University gets an early test in its title-retention bid when it battles Far Eastern University as the V-League Men's Collegiate Challenge unwraps today at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Game time is set at 12 p.m. following the curtain-raiser clash between National Collegiate Athletic Association champion University of Perpetual Help System Dalta and Emilio Aguinaldo College at 10 a.m.

Fresh from its unbeaten University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 conquest, NU eyes a good start in its repeat quest in the tournament featuring eight of the country's best collegiate teams.

But the Dante Alinsunurin-mentored squad is marching into battle without its main setter Owa Retamar and last year's tournament and Finals Most Valuable Player Nico Almendras.

With Retamar steering the pack last year, NU was able to outlast a clingy University of Santo Tomas side in the finals series that needed three games to be decided.

Now, the responsibility lies on the shoulders of playmaker Clarenz Belostrino, who is expected to step up after a great run as Retamar's reliever during the UAAP.

Newcomer Jade Disquitado, who showed great potential while playing for the national team, also has big shoes to fill covering for Almendras' explosive scoring.