Starmen clobber PNP five, enter Gonzales Cup final

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine STAR shackled Philippine National Police’s top gunners and came away with an easy 95-65 romp in their sudden death to clinch the other finals berth in the 2012 Congressman Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales Cup at the RTU gym in Mandaluyong City Thursday night.

Ver Roque played true to form and fired 21 points while Mario Geocada, Gio Coquilla and Chris Corbin added 20, 12 and 10 points, respectively. But it was the STARmen’s defense that stymied the police squad with former pro Estong Ballesteros (13) and Olan Omiping (7) held to a combined 20-point output.

Ballesteros and Omiping normed 22 markers each in the elims, including in PNP’s come-from-behind 98-91 double overtime victory last week to force a rubber match in their Final Four clash.

But with its defense holding and its offense in full throttle, Phil. STAR stormed to a 30-17 lead in the first half and never looked back.

Earlier, Nougat Candy, which also stopped twice-to-beat Gerry’s Grill in their own side of the duel last week, completed its fightback with an 89-83 victory to notch the first finals berth.

The STAR, handled by coach Alfred Bartolome and team manager Mike Maneze, and Nougat dispute the crown next Saturday at 6 p.m., also at the RTU gym.

Meanwhile, the N6BL (Not Below 6ft. Basketball League) will start April 1. For details, call 0922-8948826 or 0905-7290110 and look for the league commissioner coach Arlene Rodriguez

The scores:

Phil. STAR 95 – Roque 21, Geocada 20, Coquilla 12, Corbin 10, Rodriguez 7, Dimas 6, Ortega 6, Sangalang 6, Reducto 3, Reyes 2, Martinez 2, Tabang 0.

PNP 65 – Escalona 18, Ballesteros 13, Omiping 7, Misdas 7, Criste 5, Bautista 4, Decena 3, Bayabao 2

Halftime: 30-17