Streakin' Bombers face Tams

MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal U tries to firm up its hold of the Group B lead as it squares off with defending champion Far Eastern U today as action resumes in the Filoil Flying V Tanduay First Five Pre-Season Invitational Cup at the Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

The Heavy Bombers have racked up four straight victories since dropping their opening game but face a tough task against the Tams, who are seeking their fourth win in five games in the 5 p.m. encounter.

The Tams are actually shooting for their third straight win after escaping past the Blazers, 75-71, last Friday.

A victory over the Tams will move the Bombers three wins away from clinching a quarterfinal berth in the tournament presented by Mighty Bond Extreme.

‘’I like our progress so far. We’re coping up and our guys are stepping up but we still have a long way to go,’’ said rookie JRU coach Vergel Meneses.

Meanwhile, National U and Mapua clash in a duel of winless teams at 3 p.m. with the Bulldogs chasing their first win after two losses and the Cardinals out to snap a four-game skid in the tournament sponsored by Total Phils. Corp., San Marino Corned Tuna, Accel, Filoil Gas Company, Flying V and Hanes brands, the official outfitter.

University of the East (3-2) and St. Benilde (0-2) collide in the opening seniors duel at 1 p.m.

Tickets for all the games are available through TickeNet at 911-5555.

The Bombers’ added the RP Youth Under-18 squad to their growing list of victims with a 78-72 victory.

Meanwhile, Ateneo and San Beda go for their third straight victories against Perpetual and the RP Youth 13-U, respectively, in junior play.

The Blue Eaglets, who won their last two games against De La Salle-Zobel and JRU, will be missing the services of top guns Kiefer Ravena and Von Pessumal, who left for the US yesterday with the RP under-18 team for training.

Pessumal, who sizzled with 28 points against the Light Bombers and Ravena, who came through with 31 points against the Junior Archers, helped powered the Eaglets to a 2-0 record in Group A.

The Junior Altas are expected to pounce on their absence as they gun for their third win in five starts at 11 a.m.

The Red Cubs, on the other hand, take on the winless RP 13-under squad at 9 a.m. - With report from Kristina Villanueva