PLDT, Star quintets blast rivals

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., becoming more formidable with the addition of former San Sebastian College ace guard Aldrin Morante, made an early display of awesome power as it started its title defense in the Coke Light Invitational basketball tournament with a 99-88 whipping of Sunkist at the Meralco gym yesterday.

The Philippine Star and PLDT pulled off victories in similar fashion over CAR Inc., 113-63, and Red Bull, 74-63, respectively, to share the early lead with RCBC in the tournament formerly known as the Philippine Star Friendship League, conceptualized by Phil. Star president Miguel Belmonte to foster friendship and camaraderie among their leading advertisers and business partners.

Morante, also a former PBL and MBA player, erupted for 31 points, leading the RCBC onslaught against the Sunkist squad-reinforced by ex-PBA imports Bobby Parks and Norman Black playing one at a time.

The Bankers worked on a sleek running game as they wore down the Juicers for a rousing debut in the tourney which they won over the ABS-CBN squad last year.

Former TnT coach Bill Bayno fired 23 points as the Phone Pals seized control early and took a 34-25 lead at the turn, then thwarted a series of Red Bull charges down the stretch to fashion out the win.

The host Starmen, third-placers in the inaugural tourney, played a well-balanced game with five of them scoring in double figures as they stamped their class on the Car Care Specialists, bannered by former pro Aldo Perez.

The Star, was paced by Chris dela Cruz with 20 points and Jon De Guzman 18. Vir Roque added 15 while Alfred Bartolome and Roy Canlas chipped in 11 apiece.

So impressive were the Starmen they led from start to finish and enjoyed leads of more than 20 points in the final half.

Just like The Star, RCBC jumped the gun on Sunkist and sustained the momentum till the end.

Former La Salle standout Tyrone Bautista rifled in 24 points and Parks fired 22 but little support from their teammates stymied the bid of the Juicers of former Pop Cola ball club manager Elmer Yanga.

RCBC posted a 35-20 lead after the first quarter, sat on a 55-48 cushion at halftime and carried an 81-68 advantage over into the final quarter.