Star thwarts Hobe Bihon for 3rd win

MANILA, Philippines - Star Group of Companies lived up to its top billing to bring down Manila-Hobe Bihon, 75-63, and grab the solo lead with its third win in four matches in the 2011 MBL Corporate Cup  at the San Andres gym  in Malate, Manila.

Jhong Bondoc scattered 25 points, mostly on barreling drives and fastbreak layups, to fuel the Starmen’s surprisingly easy, wire-to-wire victory over Manila-Hobe in this eight-team, single-round tournament sponsored by Ironcon Builders, Cebuana Lhuillier, PRC Courier and WG Diner.

Gil Roque added 11 points and Dennis Rodriguez contributed 10 points for Star Group, which is seeking its first MBL title under coach Alfred Bartolome and manager Mike Maneze.

Former University of the East standout Christopher Corbin and Randell Reducto also controlled the boards and made life difficult for Manila-Hobe’s gunners to score inside.

Edward Atunaga carried the fight for Manila-Hobe with 24 points, followed by ex-PBA player Al Vergara with 11 points and Bernard Labro with 10.

Jeff Sanders, however, managed  only two points for Manila-Hobe, which is being handled by coach Raymund Reyes and supported by Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and  businessman Bobby Co.

Manila-Hobe, which opened its campaign with an 83-80 win over erstwhile  unbeaten Micah Medical Clinic-Parola last Aug. 27, played without ex-Alaska Milk mainstay Braulio Lim.

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.

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

Loreto “Ato” Tolentino is the commissioner.