MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Wang’s Ballclub held off erstwhile solo leader Manuel Luis Quezon University, 100-95, while Star Group of Publications subdued debuting Rizal Technological University, 100-92, in the 2010 MBL Invitational basketball championship at the RTU gym in Mandaluyong City.
Wang’s got a big lift from veteran guard Mario Reyes and former Talk and Text mainstay Jonathan Aldave to stave off repeated rallies by MLQU and clinch its second straight win in this nine-team tournament supported by Smart Communications, Dickies Underwear and PRC Managerial Services.
Star Group drew another balanced scoring attack to repulse RTU in another high-scoring contest and improved its record to 2-1.
Jong Bondoc scattered a team-high 31 points and Lester Reyes added 22 points for the Starmen, who came up with the timely baskets in the closing period to silence the Beaujing Acot-mentored Thunder.
Gio Coquilla contributed 10 points for Star Group of coach Rene Recto and manager Mike Maneze.
Alloyn Elinon fired a game-high 33 points, including seven three points for the Blue Thunder. Jericho Cruz added 20 points and Mark Trinidad had 18 points.
RTU president Dr. Jose Q. Macaballug made the ceremonial toss during the Star-RTU game, assisted by commissioner Ato Tolentino and tournament director Albert Andaya.