Sealions, MOB tote 2-0 records in Danny Espiritu Cup

Veterans Egay Billones and Gilbert Malabanan helped maintain Sealions' unbeaten record in the 2013 Danny Espiritu Cup at the Makati Coliseum.

Billones led the way with 22 points and 11 rebounds while Gilbert Malabanan added 21 points as they beat Globalport, 100-87.

Erwin Sta. Maria led Globalport with 33 points, but the BatangPier allowed their opponents to come back from an early 13-point deficit to give their opponents their 2nd straight win.

In the second game, defending champions Mighty were pipped at the end by MOB Alliance, 71-70.

Jeff Viernes gave MOB their only lead of the game on a transition lay-up following a steal from Richie Melencio with 16 seconds remaining. The lay-up was the 17th point for the former NAASCU MVP, while also contributing four rebounds and five assists for the now 2-0 squad. They were down by as large as 18 points before undertaking the remarkable comeback.

Mighty had the chance to win the game, but Robby Celiz and Janus Lozada misfired on their attempts from beyond the arc. They were led by Bernson Franco, who had 17 points and eight rebounds while Celiz added 15 markers.

The scores:

First game

Sealions 100 -- Billones 22, Malabanan 21, Asoro 13, Zagala 12, Garrido 10, Martinez 9, Alfao 7, Solis 3, Raymundo 2, Alfad 1.

Globalport 87 -- Sta. Maria 33, Gamboa 22, Gavina 9, Baculi 8, Arejola 8, Bercede 5, Capacio 2, Colina 0.
Quarters: 17-30, 48-44, 69-63, 100-87.

Second game

MOB 71 -- Viernes 17, Custodio 14, Maconocido 10, Melencio 10, Montilla 8, Cornjeco 4, Tajonera 4, Reyes 4, Sarangay 0, Acosta 0, Liaz 0, Corpuz 0.

Mighty 70 -- Franco 17, Celiz 15, Marquez 12, Acibar 8, Manuel 4, Lozada 3, Ferrer 3, Gamboa 2, Francisco 2, Evangelista 2, Colina 2, Dimaunahan 0.
Quarters: 13-22, 29-38, 51-58, 71-70.