Games today:

(Filoil EcoOil Centre)

2 p.m. — Saint Benilde vs JRU

4 p.m. — Mapua vs San Beda

San Beda University and Mapua University take a crack at the early lead when they clash today in Season 99 National Collegiate Athletic Association men's basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

With both squads sporting identical 1-0 win-loss records in the standings, the Red Lions and Cardinals will do everything they can to stay undefeated in the country's oldest collegiate league.

San Beda is coming off an 85-61 win over Arellano University last Tuesday while Mapua is fresh from an 80-70 demolition of San Sebastian College on the same day.

In today's first game, host Jose Rizal University also seeks an early 2-0 win-loss record when it clashes with last year's finalist College of Saint Benilde, which is hoping to finally get a win this season.

But eyes will be on San Beda after a big start to its campaign.

Against Arellano, the Red Lions sank 14 triples in the game.

San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta said he hopes the momentum from their win will carry over against the Cardinals.

"It's about trusting one another. It doesn't matter who takes the shot as long as it is the right and open shot," Escueta said.

For Mapua head coach Randy Alcantara, he is also banking on his players' fine showing against the Golden Stags when they battle the Red Lions.

"Our first win was big for us because it showed the character of the boys. We have a good chance to compete for wins in every game here in the NCAA."

REY JOBLE