DEFENDING champion Harbour Centre stakes its unbeaten run when it battles Hapee Toothpaste today, with the Batang Pier out to complete a seven-game sweep of first-round action in the PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Clashing in the other game are Magnolia Purewater and Bacchus, with the Wizards bidding for their third straight win to further solidify their hold on second place.

The Batang Pier (5-0), gunning for a record sixth straight title, renew their seething rivalry with the Complete Protectors at 2 p.m. while the Wizards take on the Energy Warriors at 4 o’clock.

Although the Complete Protectors have lost the core of their team last year, Harbour coach Jorge Gallent is wary, saying: "Hapee is a strong team. For us to beat them, we have to play hard and smart on both ends of the court.

"I have a high respect for coach Gee (Abanilla), so I expect another wild finish," added Gallent, who will rely on veteran Reed Juntilla, Rico Maierhofer, Jerwin Gaco, Edwin Asoro and rookie sensation Mark Barroca.

The Wizards, coming off big wins over Hapee and Burger King, sport a 4-1 card while the Complete Protectors, who lost to the Batang Pier in the last two title duels in the league, have a 3-2 slate. Bacchus is tied with Toyota Otis and Burger King for 4th to sixth places at 2-3.

Magnolia coach Koy Banal and his charges are out to improve their bid for one of two outright semis berths in the season-opening tournament.

In the Wizards’ last two games, the team took a big cushion in the first half through the efforts of of veterans Al Magpayo, Neil Raneses, JP Alcaraz and new players Dylan Ababou and Chester Taylor.

The 6-foot-6 Taylor sizzled against the Stunners, scoring 18 points, 13 of them coming in the first half on a 3-of-4 shooting from the three-point are.

The Wizards have the decisive edge in height but Banal refused to take the Energy Warriors lightly, saying Bacchus in a dangerous team because of its youthful exuberance.