Games today: (JRU gym)

5:30 p.m. -- Wang’s  Ballclub vs Jose Rizal University
7 p.m. -- Lyceum-Yummy vs. Trinity


JOSE Rizal University stakes its unbeaten record when it  squares off with Wang's Ballclub in the MBL Invitational Cup  basketball championship at the JRU gym in Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City.

Game time is 5:30 p.m.

Handled by former PBA superstar-turned-coach Vergel Meneses and  supported by JRU athletic director Paul Supan, the Heavy Bombers swept their first four  assignments against Mapua, MOB, Trinity University and  Investwell to gain a share of the lead with University of Santo Tomas-Ironcon Builders  in this 10-team  tournament supported by Smart Sports, Cebuana Lhuillier, Dickies Underwear, Parola Maritime and PRC Couriers.

“This is  our first game for the new year, so obviously  we want to win this one, too,” said Meneses, who is being ably assisted by Ricky Alcantara, Jonjie Madrilejo Jr. and Jonjon Delfin. “Wang’s is a tough opponent, but we’re looking to go 5-0.”

Leading the Heavy Bombers' charge are John Derico Lopez, John Bryron Villarias, Nate Matute, Ronnel Carampil, Ralph Monserat, Alex Almario, Romnick Mendoza Michael Mabulac, Jordan Dela Paz and Stephen Catan.

Wang’s, which is being handled by  coach Pablo Lucas and manager  Macky Villarta, is surely no  pushover with its 4-1 win-loss record.

After dropping its opening assignment against Investwell, Wang’s racked up four straight wins against  Lyceum of the Philippines-Yummy,  Trinity, Letran College and  MOB to move into solo third  behind  JRU and UST.

The Mandaluyong-based team of sports patron Alex Wang will lean anew on  Fil-Am Mark Anthony Cuevas, Edwin Asoro, Jayvee  Orera, Mario Reyes, Ryan Regalado, Nhoel Baltazar, MJ Magbanua,Ramon Litonjua Jr. Joeward Jamil and Jonathan Pinera.

Lyceum and Trinity square off in the second game at 7 p.m.

Tournament director Albert Andaya said the top four teams  after the single-round eliminations will advance to the semis outright, with the No. 1 team battling the No. 4 squad and the No. 2 team meeting the No. 3 squad in a  pair of  knockout matches.

The winners  of the semifinal games will dispute the title in a winner-take-all encounter.

Multi-titled coach Loreto “Ato” Tolentino is the commissioner.