MANILA, Philippines — After a two-week holiday break, action in the National Collegiate Billiards League resumes this Sunday at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City with leader St. Clare Colleges bidding to break away from the pack and streaking Far Eastern University trying to sustain its winning ways.

Perched atop the 19-team field with 29 points, the Saints expect rough sailing when they go up against fourth-running University of the East, tied with National University at 26, before crossing paths with Letran, at seventh with 23, and 14th-running Mapua (13).

The Saints saw their 11 game-winning run snapped last Dec. 19 when they dropped a 1-2 decision to the surging Tamaraws who have amassed 28 points, thanks to the exploits of unbeaten Andrei Ruiz in 9-ball play of the tourney backed by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Accel and Negros Billiards Stable.

The Tamaraws stake their nine-game winning streak when they tackle the Knights and San Sebastian, tied with Fatima at 11th spot with 16 markers, and University of Manila, a point behind the Stags.

With only the top four teams advancing to the semifinals, third-running Philippine Maritime Institute, with 27 points, is expected to go all out against Jose Rizal University, only two points behind the Admirals.