MANILA, Philippines -- Skyforce regained solo hold of the top spot and dealt Sealions its first loss, 90-83, last Sunday in the 2013 Danny Espiritu Cup basketball tournament at Reyes Gym in Mandaluyong. 

The returning Leo Avenido, who missed Skyforce's 91-84 victory over Naughty Needlez last Friday, this time pumped in 22 points and provided the stability his squad needed down the stretch.

The veteran guard also had four rebounds, five assists, and two steals while getting solid back up from Ronjay Enrile, who had a big end game for 16 points.

With Sealions pulling to within a hairline, 79-80, with 2:24 left, Enrile turned Avenido's pass into a momentum-breaking bucket before Avenido unleashed five straight points to make it an 88-83 lead with 46 ticks to go.

Enrile nailed a two-pointer 30 seconds later to seal Skyforce's fifth victory in as many games in the tournament named after the premier sports agent in the country.

Sealions, meanwhile, dropped to 3-1 but not before giving the league-leader Skyforce a tough time and no more than a seven-point lead through out.

Ronnie Zagala had 23 points, five rebounds, and four assists to pace Sealions, which even led by 10 in the first period and kept in step all game, but couldn't wrest control.

JR Raymundo and Gilbert Malabanan added 13 and 10, respectively for Sealions.

The scores

Skyforce 90 -- Avenido 22, Enrile 16, Sanders 14, Caceres 8, Vergara 8, Vizcarra 5, Tan 4, Allera 4, Sta. Maria 3, Misolas 2, Dedicatoria 2, Sta. Cruz 2, Capistrano 0, Sotto 0.

Sealions 83 -- Zagala 23, Raymundo 13, Malabanan 10, Martinez 9, Junio 9, Solis 8, Asoro 6, Gelig 5, Alfad 0, Alao 0, Garrido 0, Ricafuente 0.

Quarters: 22-28, 45-44, 64-65, 90-83.