Games Monday (The Arena, San Juan)
10 a.m. — CSB vs Arellano (Jrs)
12 noon — Letran vs JRU (Jrs)
2 p.m. — CSB vs Arellano (Srs)
4 p.m. — Letran vs JRU (Srs)

Arellano University guns for the early share of the lead against the debuting Carlo Lastimosa-led St. Benilde while Jose Rizal University and Letran hope to barge into the win column when they collide against each other Monday in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

Fresh from an 82-72 triumph opposite Emilio Aguinaldo last week, the Chiefs take on the Blazers at 2 p.m. with the hope of getting a piece of the lead with defending champion San Sebastian and San Beda, which tote identical 2-0 cards.

The Heavy Bombers and the rookie-laden Knights, on the other hand, try to bounce back from opening day losses when they clash at 4 p.m.

Out to improve their fifth place finish last year, the Chiefs are slightly favored against the Blazers although they have to play solid game from start to finish to boost their chances.

"That's what we need to do (play strong all throughout the game)," returning Chiefs coach Leo Isaac said after a shaky win against the Generals last June 27.

In that game, the Chiefs nearly squandered an 18-point lead (38-20) as the Generals threatened at 62-64, with 4:48 left.

Good thing, Arellano's 1-2 punch in Adrian Celada and Isiah Ciriahcruz rose to the ocassion and whipped an 18-9 wind up as the Chiefs held their ground to give Issac a welcome victory after coaching the Barako Bull in the PBA last year.

Lastimosa, a 20-year-old rookie and nephew of PBA star Isabelo "Jojo" Lastimosa, is expected to carry the scoring load of the Blazers, who will parade nine rookies.

“He’s exciting to watch,” CSB coach Richard Del Rosario said of the shooting guard from Cagayan de Oro. “I think he’ll be one of the most exciting rookies in the league.”

The 6-foot-2 Lastimosa, described by Del Rosario as “very athletic,” played for Ateneo's Team B before he transferred to CSB. He also suited up for the Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro.

He's tipped to replace Jeff Morial, CSB's top gunner, who had already finished his playing years.