Liga Pilipinas: Cebu rules Northern leg, Pagadian tops Southern phase

LIGA PILIPINAS

Cebu rules Northern leg;

Pagadian tops Southern phase

CAGAYAN de Oro – Mark Yee displayed his valuable leadership to Pagadian late Sunday evening, posting a double-double in steering the Explorers to a spectacular comeback by blasting the Baguio Victory, 63-49, in the final of the maiden southern phase of Liga Pilipinas at the Xavier University gym here.

Yee had 15 points and 11 rebounds, getting adjudged Best Player of the Misamis Oriental leg.

Comparatively deficient in size but overflowing in aggressiveness, the Explorers controlled the boards, 45-36, and held the Victory, who trailed 17-7 and never recovered, to 28 percent from the floor (16-of-58).

Pagadian's defense also forced 17 Baguio turnovers.

In the battle for third place, local boy Eric de la Cuesta unloaded 18 points to lead the MisOr Meteors past the Trace Laguna Stallions, 82-77.

Meanwhile, at the People's Coliseum in Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur, the Cebu Ninos downed the host Bravehearts, 98-78, in the northern leg final.

Taguig, on the other hand, ripped Quezon, 79-68, for third place.

Scores: (Northern leg)

1^st Game

TAGUIG 79 – Marquez 21, Latoreno 13, Gatumbato 12, Ortiguerra 9, Rodriguez 9, Reguera 5, Matias 4, Bombeo 2, Bautista 2, De Leon 2, Vijandre 0, Ripalda 0, Javier 0, Fajardo 0.

QUEZON 68 – Chua 11, Mondragon 9, Casino 7, Macanig 8, Panzo 7, Garrido 6, Lingao Lingao 6, Canizares 5, Williams 4, Alcala 3, Oabel 2,Manabat 0, Bolado 0, Mendoza 0,

Quarters: Taguig- 14-16; 27-35; 47-49; 79-68

2^ND Game

CEBU 98 – Rodriguez 21,Dacia 20, Basco 16, Capati 13, Padilla 9, Berami 8, Ababon 6, Cavan 3, Saladaga 2, Aying 0, Mepana 0, Atablanco 0, Luga 0.

ILOCOS 78 – Malabanan 19, Basilides 13, Kalaw 9, Guiyab 9, Cabatu 5, Hugnatan 7, Lopez 4, Saldua 4, Balares 4, Castro 2, Reyes 2, Prado 1, Codamon 0, Ico 0.

Quarters: 22-19; 48-42; 71-55; 98-78

(Southern leg)

1^st Game

MISAMIS ORIENTAL 82 – De la Cuesta 18, Saguindel 15, Concha 11, Nailon 10, Espiritu 8, Faundo 7, Tadena 5, Farochilen 4, Tagupa 4, Caputolan 0.

LAGUNA 77 – Losentes 24, Gaco 16, Angeles 8, Ricafuente 8, Santos 7, Dedicatoria 6, Retaga 4, Raymundo 2, Cruz 2, Valderama 0.

Quarters: 16-17; 31-35; 57-52; 82-77.

2^ND Game

PAGADIAN 63 – Yee 15, Villaver 14, Labagala 8, Daja 7, Kong 6, Orquillas 5, Sinco 4, Saludsod 2, Quilo 2. Singedas 0, Cortes 0, Musni 0.

BAGUIO 49 – Sta. Maria 13, Mangahas 7, Tiongson 6, Ton 6, Basto 5, Al. Gamboa 5, Ar. Gamboa 4, White 3, Pupos 0, Cariño 0, Lujero 0.

Quarters: 24-11; 36-22; 52-39; 63-49.