Custodio, Viernes sizzle as MOB pins first loss on Skyforce

Jeff Viernes. Contributed Photo

MANILA, Philippines—MOB prevailed ina game of spurts and dealt Skyforce its first loss, 98-94, in the 2013 Danny Espiritu Cup basketball tournament at the Lyceum Gym.

The lead swayed back-and-forth in the fourth quarter, with MOB leading by eight, 75-67, early then Skyforce seizing a five-point edge, 86-81, with two and half minutes to play.

But MOB went on a decisive 15-4 run, built on three triples, to stand the lone undefeated team in the tournament dedicated to agent Danny Espiritu.

Jopher Custodio and Jeff Viernes combined for 59 points on 13 triples for MOB. Viernes had 10 down the stretch.

Skyforce, the erstwile leaders which droped to 5-1, struggled all night night as it trailed by as many as nine points.

New additions Chester Tolomia and Marlon Basco lead way with 16 and 14, respectively — but it wasn’t enough to propel Skyforce past the youthful MOB.

The scores:
MOB 98 —Custodio 30, Viernes 29, Melencio 10, Reyes 8, Corpus 7, Montilla 7, Maconocido 5, Tajonera 2, Sarangay 0, Acosta 0, Ranises 0.
Skyforce 94—Tolomia 16, Basco 14, Vergara 12, Avenido 11, Sotto 10, Enrile 8, Caceres 8, Sanders 5, Dedicatoria 4, Sta. Cruz 4, Allera 2, Tan 0, Misolas 0.
Quarters: 22-18, 39-38, 68-65, 98-94.