Starmen unscathed in Gonzales Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Niño Sangalang fired 21 points, including five triples, as The Philippine STAR rolled to a 79-68 romp over Gerry’s Grill to keep its unbeaten run in the Cong. Neptali Gonzales Cup at the RTU gym in Mandaluyong Tuesday.

Sangalang hit five of seven treys while Dennis Rodriguez and Gio Coquilla backed him up with 10 points apiece and Cris Corbin added seven markers as the STARmen annexed their fifth straight victory for a two-game lead over PNP in the nine-team event.

With Daniel Martinez sinking four triples, Gerry’s Grill kept the game close in the first half but the STARmen came out of the break smoking, outscoring their rivals to lead by as many as 21 points.

Martinez wound up with 17 points while Rommel David and Alvin Cabonse made 12 and nine points for Gerry’s Grill, which dropped to 4-2.

In other result, PNP held off Beng Pablo Basketball, 94-89, to stretch its own win streak to three while dealing the latter its fourth loss against two wins.

Olan Omiping and Reneboy Lata scored 15 points apiece for PNP. which also drew 13 points from Estong Ballesteros and bucked the 48-point explosion by Niño Juan.