Stars try to keep lead vs Vols tonite

Resurgent Pampanga targets a repeat over Gilbey’s Olongapo at 6:30 tonight as the Stars try to keep the lead in the North division of the MBA National Conference at the Olongapo Convention Center.

The Stars aim to duplicate their 105-91 rout of the Volunteers on June 17 that handed them their second straight victory after an inaugural 106-104 defeat to the Osaka Pangasinan Waves.

Vincent John Santos, a prized find from the University of the Assumption, is again expected to carry the fight for the Stars who are now being mentored by Allan Trinidad after Ato Agustin opted to be a full time player again.

Santos, only 5-foot-8, was last week’s Hardcourt Hero after averaging 24 points in the Stars’ conquest of the Volunteers, who carry a 2-2 slate, and the LBC Batangas Blades (90-86).

The Blades also seek a repeat over the Waves in the 3:30 p.m. opener.

Their first encounter on June 17 ended at 96-77 in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Meanwhile, Cebuana Lhuillier asserted its mastery of RCPI Negros, 117-76, Wednesday night to get back on track in the Southern Conference at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Gems, who have to go through overtime before beating the Slashers (97-91) on June 18, found the sailing smooth and decided the outcome as early as the third quarter when they took an imposing 102-62 spread.

Bruce Dacia and Stephen Padilla fired 24 points each for the Gems, who improved to 2-3. The Slashers, missing the services of gunner Jose Francisco, fell to 1-4.

Egged on by coach Francis Rodriguez, the Gems were never threatened as they ruled the boards, 63-33.