Starmen repel 100plus squad, claim MBL crown

MANILA, Philippines - STAR Group of Publications staved off repeated rallies by 100plus Isotonic Sports Drink and pulled off a 64-58 victory to capture the 2011 MBL Corporate Cup basketball crown before a big crowd at the San Andres gym in Malate, Manila over the weekend.

Jhong Bondoc knocked down the clutch baskets for Star Group, repeatedly driving to the hoop and challenging 100plus’ big men to finish with a game-high 14 points.

Mario Geocada, Gio Coquilla, Chris Corbin, Ver Roque and Dennis Rodriguez added seven points or more for Star Group, which bagged another title under coach Alfred Bartolome, assistant coach Rene Recto and team manager Mike Maneze.

Rodriguez was later named the tournament’s MVP.

No less than Star Group president and CEO Miguel G. Belmonte received the championship trophy from Danny Espiritu, MBL commissioner Loreto Tolentino and tournament director Albert Andaya.

Champ Pujante and Ralph Sonsona finished with 10 points apiece, while Rhum Perry Scott added nine points for 100plus in the low-scoring, contest sponsored by Cebuana Lhuillier, Ironcon Builders, Dickies Underwear, PRC Couriers and WG Diner.

The Starmen actually controlled the tempo of the game behind the outside shooting of Coquilla and Rodriguez and the power plays of Corbin.

But 100plus battled back behind Pujante and Balmaceda to wrest the lead, 25-24, at the turn.

It was a see-saw contest from there with neither team leading by more than six points.

Parola Maritime clinched third place honors.

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