Corbin keys Star win over Gerry's

MANILA, Philippines - Cris Corbin came through with a three-point play in the stretch as STAR Group rallied from several double-digit deficits to subdue Gerry’s Grill-PGA Cras, 70-67, in the MBL Corporate Cup basketball tournament at the San Andres gym in Malate over the weekend.

Corbin, a former UE standout, finished with 18 points while Ver Roque added nine markers for the STARmen, who improved to 2-1 in the single round-robin tournament backed by Ironcon Builders, Cebuana Lhuillier, WG Diners, Big Banners Tarpaulin and PRC Couriers.

Duraville Realty staved off repeated rallies by Makati Medical Center to fashion out a 90-82 victory in the other game.

Randel Reducto and Gio Coquilla chipped in eight points for the Starmen, who battled back from a 28-39 halftime deficit with a big second half run then outsteadied Gerry’s Grill down the stretch to pound out the come-from-behind win.

Former PATTS standout Rene Boy Banzali topscored for Gerry’s Grill with 19 points while King Imfortante and Alwyn Cabonce added 13 and 10 points, respectively.

Duraville leaned on 6-5 Fil-Am import Mark Anthony Cuevas to outplay Makati Med and barge into the win column after dropping its first match to 100Plus.

PBA legend Bong Alvarez also suited up for Duraville but opted to orchestrate the plays for his teammates.