MANILA, Philippines — Last year’s finalist Skyforce emerged as the early leader in the 2013 Danny Espiritu Cup after hurdling newcomers GlobalPort and Expert Global Solutions in the opening week.
Skyforce, fueled by veteran guard Leo Avenido, extinguished GlobalPort, 93-83, at Treston College gymnasium to chalk up its second win after defeating EGS, 93-76, in the opener.
Avenido unleashed 16 points anew to help Skyforce overcome an early double-digit deficit against GlobalPort — composed mainly of their PBA team’s staff — and break away late in the third.
Floyd Dedicatoria added 15 markers for Skyforce, which fell to Mighty in last year’s finale of tournament named after the country’s premier sports agent.
Following the blueprint of its opening victory, Skyforce trailed by 12 points in the first period but managed to douse GlobalPort’s hotshooting and take over for good in the second half.
GlobalPort, which uncorked 12 triples, rallied in the payoff period, but got only to within 76-84 on a Glen Capacio trey as Skyforce was quick to retaliate and stretched the lead to 17 with barely two minute to play.
Allan Gamboa led GlobalPort with 17 points while Erwin Sta. Maria and Franz Bercede combined for 27 points.
The scores:
First game
Skyforce 93– Avenido 16, Dedicatoria 14, Sotto 10, Caceles 9, Sanders 8, Enrile 8, Capistrano 8, Sta. Maria 7, Allera 5, Vergara 4, Misolas 2, Tan 2, Visacarra 0, Salansang 0, Sta Cruz 0.
EGS 76 — Caspe 16, Catamora 10, Valena 10, Kalaw 10, Ranises 8, Arias 8, Sigua 5, Feliciano 4, Roda 3, Catamora A. 2, De Vera 0, Milano 0, Lanzar 0, McCoy 0
Second game
Skyforce 93 — Avenido 16, Dedicatoria 15, Sotto 14, Sanders 11, Allera 8, Viscarra 8, Vergara 6, Enrile 6, Sta. Cruz 4, Tan 3, Sta. Maria 2, Misolas 0.
GlobalPort 83 — Gamboa 17, Sta. Maria 14, Bercede 13, Capacio 12, Arejola 8, Manalo 8, Adducul 5, Tenerepe 3, Bernal 3, Gavina 0, Tiamson 0.
