Starmen go up vs Royale five

MANILA, Philippines - Lyceum of the Philippines University battles EJM Pawnshop while Star Group meets Royale Business Club in a pair of crucial matches tonight in the 2010 MBL Invitational basketball championship at the Lyceum gym in Intramuros, Manila.

Lyceum, tied for third with CUSA titlist Manuel Luis Quezon University with 3-1 slates, guns for its fourth straight win against EJM in the main game at 8:30 p.m.

Star Group and Royale BC, toting identical 3-2 cards, part ways in the 7 p.m. match in the nine-team tournament sponsored by Smart Communications, Dickies Underwear and PRC Managerial Services.

Star Group will be bannered anew by Dennis Rodriguez, Jong Bondoc, Ver Roque, Gio Coquilla, Lester Reyes, Randel Reducto and Cris Corbin.

Royale, on the other hand, will lean on Leemore Boliver, Toto Bandaying, Floyd Dedicatoria and Jaymo Equillos.

Last Saturday, Hobe Bihon outsteadied Royale BC, 102-100, in overtime to keep the solo lead with four straight victories.

Former San Miguel Beer player Billy Moody scored four of his 17 points in the final minute of the extra period to steer Hobe to victory over the Royale BC side.

Ex-Philippine Christian University standout Leimar Navarro led all scorers for Hobe with 29 points.

Boliver and Bandaying combined for 47 points for the Ferdie Orna-mentored Royale BC.