Hobe survives Star, sets title duel with Wang's

MANILA, Philippines - Hobe Bihon got back at Star Group of Publications, pulling off a 99-90 victory to arrange a title clash with Wang’s Ballclub in the MBL Invitational basketball tournament at the Rizal Technological Univ. gym in Mandaluyong Thursday.

Hobe broke away from a tight first half game with a big run in the third period then staved off repeated rallies by the Starmen to clinch the victory.

Wang’s Ballclub battled back from double-digit deficits to turn back Royale Business Club, 94-92, in the other semis duel.

Hobe and Wang’s, which had twice-to-beat edges in the semis, dispute the title on Tuesday.

Hobe Bihon leaned on former PBA players Jeffrey Sanders, Braulio Lim and Niño Marquez to repulse Star Group, which dealt its lone setback in the single round elims of the tournament sponsored by Smart Communications, Dickies Underwear, WG Diners and PRC Courier Services.

Sanders, who played for Ginebra, fired 18 points while Lim and Marquez added 17 points each and Leimar Navarro tossed in 16 points.

Hobe also bucked the 32-point production of Virgilio Roque.