Cebu-Mandaue returns to winning track

TEAM STANDINGS

M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Ninos 2-0

Misamis Oriental Meteors 1-0

Cebu Landmasters RDAK Mandaue 1-1

Laguna Golden Lions 0-1

MP Warriors of GenSan 0-2

Games on July 15 – Xavier University Gymnasium

4:00 PM Misamis Oriental Meteors vs. Laguna Golden Lions

6:00 PM MP Warriors of GenSan vs. Cebu Landmasters RDAK-Mandaue

     CAGAYAN DE Oro City – Top seed Cebu Landmasters RDAK-Mandaue returned to the winning track by disposing of the debuting Laguna Golden Lions, 76-69, in continuing action from the SMC Liga Pilipinas Conference V Super Leg at the Xavier University Gymnasium Wednesday night.

     Stung by a 71-72 loss to the defending National Champion M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Ninos the day before, Mandaue of Joe Soberano and Rick King and Coach Jun Tan vented its ire on the Golden Lions of Gov. ER Ejercito and Coach Philip Cezar as newcomer Vic Manuel teamed up with old hands Leo Losentes and Hafer Mondragon to seize the first period, 27-14.

     Losentes then pushed Mandaue to its biggest lead at 54-38 in the third period but the Golden Lions rallied behind big men Bernzon Franco and EJ Feihl to close in entering the final period, 55-60.

     Robert Sanz then scored seven straight Laguna points to put them at their closest, 66-69, and 3:57 to play.  However, Ariel Capus answered with a three-point play to make it 72-69 and the Mandaue defense prevented Laguna from scoring another field goal from thereon.  The Golden Lions did not help their cause by missing free throws while Manuel sealed the win with two timely baskets down the stretch.

     Manuel led Mandaue with 13 points and eight rebounds while Losentes had 12 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals.  Glen Bolocon, Liga’s scoring leader, topped Laguna with 20 points followed by Franco with 15 points and six rebounds.

     In the first game, M. Lhuillier of Michel J. Lhuillier and Coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba took solo leadership by taming the MP Warriors of GenSan, 93-80.  The Ninos improved to 2-0 while the MP Warriors slipped to 0-2.

     Showing surprise toughness after a 64-90 loss to the host Misamis Oriental Meteors, the MP Warriors of Rep. Manny Pacquiao and Coach Arvin Bonleon managed to keep pace with the Ninos for 36 minutes before wilting at crunch time.  Jovanie Alih’s free throw put the MP Warriors ahead for the last time, 78-77, and 4:06 to play.

     From there, Ian Saladaga tied the game with a free throw and Stephen Padilla knocked in the go-ahead triple, 81-78.  Overall, it was a 16-2 closing run that knocked out the MP Warriors.

     Cruz, who hit the game-winning triple against Mandaue the day earlier, continued his good play with 25 points and nine rebounds.  Maliksi fouled out early but still managed 16 points.  Louie Medalla paced the MP Warriors with 17 markers followed by Angeles with 13.

     The games of Liga Pilipinas may be seen on Basketball TV from Monday to Saturday at 5:30 PM with the support of San Miguel, Molten, Summit Natural Drinking Water and Accel.

How They Scored:

First Game

     M. LHUILLIER-CEBU (93) – Cruz 25, Maliksi 16, Santos 14, Saladaga 10, Padilla 8, Hayes 8, Ababon 4, Belano 4, Raymundo 2, Mepana 2, Nailon 0, Dacia 0, Baguion 0, Jeffries 0.

     GENERAL SANTOS (80) – Medalla 17, Angeles 13, Parreno 9, Musni 9, Concepcion 9, Nicdao 6, Alih 5, Alfad 5, Mendoza 4, Sagad 2, Grijaldo 1, Callo 0.

     Period Scores: 22-20, 42-38, 68-59, 93-80.

Second Game

     MANDAUE (76) – Manuel 13, Losentes 12, Doruelo 11, Capus 1, Mondragon 8, Magsumbol 7, Sta. Cruz 6, Villanil 5, Villaver 3, Marlon Basco 0, Guiyab 0, Dedicatoria 0.

     LAGUNA (69) – Bolocon 20, Franco 15, Sanz 8, Legaspi 7, Feihl 6, Asoro 6, Faundo 5, Saguindel 2, Bautista 0, Fampulme 0, Flores 0, Martinez 0.

     Period Scores: 27-14, 46-33. 60-55, 76-69.(pr)