STAR cagers streak to third win in row

The Philippine STAR routed the debuting Aviation Security Group, 76-50, while Polymaster Industrial blasted Far Eastern Surety & Insurance, 102-88, in the first Prospero Pichay Cup basketball tournament at the San Andres gym over the weekend.

Dennis Rodriguez fired 15 points, including three triples, while Alfred Bartolome and Gio Coquilla combined for 26 points for the STARmen, who raced to a 27-9 lead en route to posting their third straight win in the tournament organized by the Association of Sports League (Manila) Corp.

Cris Corbin added six points while pulling down eight rebounds and making three shot blocks for The STAR, which guns for its fourth straight win against Far Eastern Surety & Insurance at today’s resumption of the tournament held in cooperation with the Manila Sports Council (Masco).

Like the STARmen, the Polymaster Kings took a 50-32 halftime lead and never looked back, leading by at least 10 points throughout the second half to coast to their second win in three starts.

Ismael Junio, a former PBL slam-dunk champion, led five Polymaster players in double figures with 28 points. Former UE Warrior and PBA frontliner Braulio Lim contributed 19 while ex-UST guard Rommel David added 13.

MLQU, drawing 27 points from PJ Patricio, crushed Manila Hotel, 106-53, in another lopsided contest.