CMO wins Ladislawa Cup title in dramatic fashion

CMO wins Ladislawa Cup title in dramatic fashion


The City Mayor's Office had no problem working on pressure-pack double overtime to win the 2009 Ladislawa Cup - 34 years and old below - title.


The Mayor's men showed excellent composure down the stretch to beat Al-Iskandar, 96 - 92 and claim the title in a dramatic fashion in Game 2 of their best of three title showdown on Friday night at the Ladislawa Garden Village Gym.


Dindo Pastor, Roy Bangkas and Jason Tan joined hands to help CMO cop the title over Al-Iskandar in one of the best title games in recent memory in Davao City.


Pastor was the biggest factor in the grueling match as the former PBA and defunct MBA player took charge, carrying the loads for CMO, when the game is on the line and the chips are down.


The former Sta. Lucia Realtor (PBA) and Pasig Pirate (MBA) dished out a superb pass to Bangkas and drilled in two crucial free throws to take the lead for good, 92 - 91 with seconds more to play.


Bangkas' defense-less under goal stab off a Pastor pass put it, 90 - 91.


Pastor filled in the shoes of Christopher "Bong" Go, who was manned by former pro Arvin Bonleon all game long and completely took over when Tan fouled out midway of the second over time.


The sweet-shooting executive assistant of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte came out waxing hot, firing all his 11 points in the first canto that gave CMO, 25 - 17 after the first ten minutes of play.


Tan and Bangkas chipped in 23 points for CMO which blew out the chance to settle the game in regulation due to crucial turnover with 7 seconds left.


Ahead by 3, 74 - 71, CMO turned the ball over that gave Al-Iskandar the final play where Bonleon handed off to Ferndinand Yap at the left corner three point line and the prize wingman took the shot.


It hit nothing but the net that sent the game into the first overtime at 74 -all.


Yap continue to play well for Al-Iskandar along with Bonleon in the extra minutes, hitting one three pointer to another that made the game close up to the final buzzer.


Bonleon canned in 29 points, including a three pointer that tied the count at 83-all after the lefty Tan made a three point play that gave CMO a taste of 83 - 80 edge.


After Bonleon's triple, both teams had a hard time to execute their plays and convert that pave the way for the second overtime.


Yap had 20 points while Oca Gonzaga drilled in 15 points for Al-Iskandar.


Bonleon Tan's three point play provided the lead for CMO, 83 - 80 before


Go played the hero's role in Game 1, pouring in 22 of his total 27 points in the final half that moved CMO closer one win away for the title.


After CMO took a 36 - 31 lead at the half, both teams managed to trade rallies that made the game more exciting.