Hobe, Lyceum prevail in MBL

MANILA, Philippines - Lyceum made key defensive stops down the stretch to repulse Star Group, 99-94, in the 2010 MBL Invitational (Second Conference) basketball championship at the Lyceum gym in Intramuros Tuesday night.

The STARmen actually seized control in the first half but lost steam in the face of the Pirates’ second half charge, failing to sustain their last-ditch rally at endgame.

Mark Fampulme and Allen Difuntorum combined for 34 points for hosts, who picked up their second straight victory dropping their opening day game to Manuel L. Quezon University.

Jong Bondoc fired 26 points for the Star Group, which took its second straight defeat after sweeping its first two assignments.

Dennis Rodriguez added 19 points and Lester Reyes contributed 16 points for the STARmen, who led 24-22 and 48-45 in the first two quarters.

In the other game, Hobe Bihon brought down erstwhile unbeaten Wang’s Ballclub, 81-79, to wrest the solo lead with a 2-0 slate.

Former PSBA standout Ronnie Zagala knocked down a jumper with four seconds left as Hobe Bihon snatched the victory despite playing with only seven men.

Zagala’s basket capped a sizzling 8-0 windup by Hobe, which erased a 73-79 deficit with 46 seconds left to clinch the victory.

Wang’s dropped to 2-1 in a tie with Lyceum and MLQU.