Banal leads Steel Trust to scary win in DELeague

MANILA, Philippines - Jonathan Banal hit a triple at the buzzer as Steel Trust Corp. snatched a 92-90 victory over During’s BBQ in the second DELeague Open Invitational Basketball Cup at the Marikina Sports Park gym in Marikina City last Tuesday night.

Banal, a former Mapua mainstay, drained four triples in the fourth period and wound up with 22 points while Luis Palaganas added 17 markers, six rebounds and five assists and Chester Tolomia chipped in 13 points for Steel Trust, which improved to 2-1.

Egay Billiones sizzled with 33 points, Edwin Asoro had 20 points, and Bernzon Franco added 14 points and 12 rebounds for During’s BBQ, which took its third straight defeat in the league organized by Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman and sponsored by OLOPS College, Jekasa Sportswear, Hobe Bihon, Mckie’s Video, Simply Delicious and Luyong Panciteria.

Skyforce Team drew 25 points from Ismael Junio as it defeated Globe Telecom, 112-91, to likewise improve to 2-1.

Aaron Umlas hit 17 points for Globe Telecom, which dropped to 1-3.

Meanwhile, action resumes tonight with Hogs Breath Café facing PL iTrade and ACS Team battling Steel Trust Corp. Tickets are available at the Marikina Sports Park gym’s entrance at P10.