Gerry's Grill sears Secret Spices in MBL

MANILA, Philippines - Gerry’s Grill walked the tightrope before beating Secret Spices Foods, 90-86, and barged into the win column in the 2011 MBL Corporate Cup basketball championship at the Aquinas gym in San Juan.

Former PATTS standout Rene Boy Banzali powered his way to 24 points, including six during a close, seesaw battle in the final two and a half minutes that keyed the victory for the coach Wilson Sia-mentored Gerry’s Grill in this eight-team, single-round tournament supported by Ironcon Builders, Cebuana Lhuillier, PRC Couriers and WG Diner.

Banzali eluded two defenders to give Gerry’s Grill the lead for good, 87-86, before Karl Santos split his free throws for 88-86. Erickson Araman then bungled a short jumper that could have tied the score for Secret Spices with 7.5 seconds left.

Banzali sealed the win with two free throws, 90-86.

Santos finished with 15 points and John Gonzales and Christopher Manalili had 10 points apiece for Gerry’ Grill, which rebounded from a heartbreaking 67-70 loss to Star Group of Publications last Aug. 20.

Ramon Litonjua carried the fight for the Wang’s Ballclub-supported Secret Spices with 15 points, including back-to-back three-pointers that put his team ahead for the last time, 86-85.

Junthy Alon added 13 points, Mar Reyes contributed 12 and Joeward Jamil had 11.

Tournament director Albert Andaya said the top two teams after the elimination round will advance to the semis outright, while the next four teams will dispute the remaining two semis berths in a pair of knockout matches.

The championship will be a winner-take-all affair.

Multi-titled coach Loreto “Ato” Tolentino is the commissioner.

 The scores:

Gerry’s Grill 90 - Banzali 24, Santos 15, Gonzales 10, Manalili 10, Infortante 9, Sia 9, Cabonce 5, Coyuito 4, Moreno 3, Ricafranca 2.

Secret Spices 86 - Litonjua 15, Alon 13, Reyes 12, Jamil 11, Ignacio 10, Baltazar 10, Lingao-Lingao 6, Araman 4, Parapara 2, Wang 2, Villarta 2, Hernandez 0.

Quarterscores: 23-26, 50-43, 63-63, 90-86.