Starmen Corpball champs

Dennis Rodriguez came away with 18 points, including three triples, as The Philippine STAR thumped New Erans’ Brazil, 96-80, to capture the Corpball-Popoy’s Grill Directors Cup crown Friday at the Guadalupe Sports Complex in Makati.

The STARmen imposed their strength early, leading by as many as 20 points in the first half but slowed late in the third period, enabling the Hawks, behind Paulo Malonzo, to close within five, 48-53.

But Rodriguez combined with Bong Martinez and Jun Bondoc, who scored five straight points in another big 11-0 run by the Starmen, who sat on a 64-48 cushion entering the final period.

The Hawks never recovered from that fiery Philippine STAR blitz as the Starmen cruised to the victory to complete a sweep of the tournament.

Rodriguez also finished with four assists while Bondoc added 14 points for the STARmen, who also drew 12 points apiece from Mario Geocada and Vher Roque.

The STAR’s forward Gerard Ortega also won the MVP award and, with Geocada, made it to the mythical selection.