Stars shade Shoemasters; Cagers gain playoff berth

MANILA, Philippines – The Manila Stars flirted with disaster before nipping the Marikina Shoemasters, 91-89, on Thursday and climbing to second overall in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at Muntinlupa Sports Complex.

Power-playing Marvin Hayes scored Manila’s last six points as the Robust Energy Capsule-supported Stars posted their 19th win against four losses, just behind the Bataan Risers’ 19-2 record in the North division of the 26-team league.

Tiny but deadly Ryan Costelo nearly toppled the Stars, pouring nine points of his game-high 26 in the last four minutes, but fell short as Hayes wound up with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Hayes got ample support from Chris Bitoon, who barely missed a double-double with 19 points and nine rebounds, and beanpoles Aristotle Dionisio, with 10 points and nine rebounds, and Maclean Sabellina, with 10 points and eight rebounds.

The Shoemasters, who drew 16 points and 13 rebounds from Renato Ular, dropped to 7-14 and are virtually out of the running for the eight playoff berths in the South division.

Actor Gerald Anderson played for over 23 minutes for Marikina and scored eight points, including a triple that shoved the Shoemasters ahead, 75-74, with 5 minutes and 12 seconds to go.

The 5-foot-6 Costelo also grabbed seven rebounds, issued seven assists, and had two steals, but committed seven turnovers as well.

In the second game, the Muntinlupa Cagers blew a 17-point lead and went through overtime to beat the Pasig Pirates, 98-92, and assure themselves of a playoff seat with a 13-8 record.

Leaning on Dave Moralde, new acquisition Ryusei Koga, Felix Apreku and Chito Jayme, the Cagers finally repulsed the gritty Pirates in extension.

Koga, former starting guard of the Paranaque Patriots, showed his worth with 13 points , including a pivotal 3-pointer that pushed the Cagers ahead, 93-90, with 41.6 seconds left.

Moralde topscored for the Cagers with 15 points and also got support from Regie Boy Basibas with 13, Allan Mangahas with 12, and Jaime with 11.

Already out of playoffs contention, the Pirates absorbed their 19th loss against only three victories.

Pasig’s Marlon Monte canned a triple with 10 seconds left to forge overtime at 83-all.