The game tips off at 4 p.m. after the 2 p.m. match between Angeles University Foundation (AUF) and Mapua.

The Heavy Bombers are coming off a lopsided 83-58 victory over University of Perpetual Help last week, making them a heavy favorite against the Generals, who have yet to taste a win after two games as one of the three guest teams in the league this season.

A triumph would put JRU, which is looking to improve on its runner-up finish last year, into a tie with San Sebastian College-Recoletos at the top of the 10-team field. The Bombers and the Stags are the only undefeated teams so far.

“We hope we can sustain our composure, as doing so in every game would be vital in our campaign,” said JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia.

“We have to treat every game with the same importance, whether our opponent is up in the standings or down. As you can see, this is a very balanced league, and I think any team can beat any other [team]. So we really have to play our best every time.”

EAC bowed to AUF, 86-75, on Monday for its second-straight defeat.

It’s going to be a gargantuan task for the Generals in their bid to finally barge into the win column as they face the potent Heavy Bombers’ foursome of John Wilson, Mark Cagoco, James Sena and Marvin Hayes.

“We hope that first win in the NCAA would be a start of something big for us,” said coach Eric Gascon after his Great Danes’ victory over the Generals.

“We consider that a breakthrough feat and it really boosted our confidence, which we hope we would carry into our next game, especially that we are going up against Mapua,” added Gascon, whose team travels from Pampanga every game day. 

The Cardinals used to be a perennial contender in the league, but have yet to find their form this season, losing their first two assignments.