Starmen turn back 100Plus

MANILA, Philippines -  STAR Group of Publications brought down 100Plus, 73-62, to regain a share of the lead with Parola Maritime even as Secret Spices edged Manila-Hobe, 87-85, in the MBL Corporate Cup basketball tournament at the San Andres gym in Malate, Manila recently.

Former PMI mainstay Virgilio Roque fired 20 points, including six in a low-scoring fourth quarter, as the Starmen annexed their fourth victory in five games in the eight-team tournament backed by Cebuana Lhuillier, Ironcon Builders, Dickies Underwear, PRCCouriers and WG Diner.

Nino Sangalang added 12 points and Gio Coquilla contributed 11 points for the STAR, which trailed in the first quarter but wrested control in the next two periods before holding sway in the fourth.

Perry Scott and Ralph Sonsona finished with 14 points apiece for 100plus, which dropped to solo fourth with a 2-2 record. Kyle Yulo added 12 points for 100plus.

In the other game, Secret Spices relied on MJ Magbanua, Dudoy Ignacio and Maco Maconocido and Mar Reyes as it subdued Manila-Hobe for its second straight win after losing its first three games.

Magbanua and Ignacio combined for 42 points for Secret Spices, which led by 12 points in the third quarter but needed a strong finish to escape with the win.