Star Group, 100plus dispute MBL crown

MANILA, Philippines - STAR Group of Publications and 100plus Isotonic Sports Drink clash at 7 tonight in the one-game final for the 2011 MBL Corporate Cup basketball crown at the San Andres gym in Malate.

The Starmen topped the elims with a 6-1 card while 100plus finished second with a 5-2 slate in the eight-team tournament backed by Cebuana Lhuillier, Ironcon Builders, Dickies Underwear, PRCCouriers and WG Diner.

Handled by coach Alfred Bartolome and manager Mike Maneze, the STAR Group hopes to draw the best from Jhong Bondoc, Vir Roque, Lester Reyes, Dennis Rodriguez, Gerald Ortega, Gio Coquilla and former University of the East standout Chris Corbin.

100plus coach Philip Yulo, on the other hand, will pin his hopes on former Lyceum standouts Bodie Balmaceda and Rhum Perry Scott, Champ Pujante, Ralph Sonsona, Winnie Rivera, Reagan Hasal and Kyle Yulo.

STAR defeated 100plus, 73-62, in the elims with Roque taking charge with 20 points.

The other teams that saw action in the three-month long competition were Parola Maritime, Secret Spices-Wang’s, Gerry’s Grill, Manila-Hobe Bihon, Duraville Realty and Makati Medical Center.