Star, MLQU clash for MBL lead

MANILA, Philippines - Opening day winners Star Group of Publications and Manuel Luis Quezon University dispute the early lead as they clash today even as defending champion Wang’s Ballclub opens its title-retention bid against Philippine Air Force in the 2010 MBL Invitational basketball championship at the Lyceum gym in Intramuros.

Game time is 7 p.m. with odds just about even between the Starmen and the Stallions, who subdued EJM Pawnshop, 62-58, and Lyceum, 73-72, respectively, in the tournament supported by Smart Sports, Dickies Underwear and PRC Courier.

Jopher Custodio, the hero in MLQU’s come-from-behind win over Lyceum, will again lead the Stallions, along with veterans Jack Manalansan, Alvin Vitug and Erick Dizon.

Star Group will lean on the exploits of Jong Bondoc, Dennis Rodriguez, Virgilio Roque and Cris Corbin.

Wang’s and Air Force, meanwhile, tangle at 8:30 p.m.

The Mandaluyong-based team will rely on ex-PBA gunner Biboy Simon, Fil-Am Anthony Cuevas, Mar Reyes, Ryan Regalado and American missionary Joshua Manthe while the Airmen will be bannered by former University of Santo Tomas mainstay    Jay Torres, former NCBA players  Mike Jimenez and Albert Bandong, ex-Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasay bet Jay-Ar Casulla, Vin Idanan, Erwin Bendo, Ronald Pascual and Paulino Fernandez.