Male Box duo tops McDo 2ball elims

Vernon Sarne and Aris Malantic of Male Box scored 38 points, leading the 10 teams which made it to the finals of the NBA 2ball Media Tournament set May 28 at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

The eliminations of the media 2ball ushered in the official launching of the NBA 2ball presented by McDonald's in the Philippines at the SM North EDSA yesterday.

Sports official Tisha Abundo, who has just vacated her post in the Philippine Sports Commission, graced the opening ceremonies as guest of honor together with NBA Asia Ltd. Marketing Partnerships and Events general manager Mark Fischer and McDonald's Phils. marketing vice president Dinky Villanueva.

Presented by McDonald's with support from Upper Deck Trading Cards, Spalding Basketballs, Northwest Airlines, Dusit Hotel Nikko, SM Supermalls and ESPN Star Sports, the NBA 2ball will have its elimination at the SM North EDSA running until Tuesday.

SM Fairview hosts Week Two on May 4-7, SM Southmall Week Three on May 11-14, SM Bacoor Week Four on May 18-21 and SM Megamall Week Five on May 23-27.

A total of 15 two-man teams competed in the eliminations of the media 2ball with Russell Cadayona of Balita and Lito Oredo of Bandera placing second to Sarne and Malantic with 22 points.

The pairs of Nelson Beltran and Joey Viduya of the Philippine Star, Bill Velasco and Kenneth Garcia of Philsports.net, Andy Santos and Fidel Mangonon of All Sports magazine tallied 21 points each.