The GenSan-MP Warriors took down two birds with one stone as they stunned the league-leading Mandaue-Cebu Landmasters/RDAK, 90-70, and in the process booked a slot in the finals of the 5th leg of the SMC Liga Pilipinas V late Friday night at the GMP Sports Complex in General Santos City.
The Warriors of boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao turned the heat up in the second half where they outscored the Landmasters, 60-32.
Down by eight at halftime, the Warriors unleashed a crushing 17-0 blast led by Louie Medalla, who proved to be the difference-maker.
Medalla finished with a conference-best 29 points, highlighted by five triples.
Jonathan Parreno added three more triples en route to 11 markers as the Warriors of Coach Arvin Bonleon made a total of 12 out of 27 from beyond the arc.
Axel Doruelo and Mario Basco led Mandaue with nine points each, marking only the team’s second loss in this tournament. Team leader Mark Magsumbol was also held down to just four markers.
The two squads were still battling it out for the title as of press time.
Mandaue was gunning for their third leg crown in as many tries while GenSan is still searching for their very first title since joining the league.
In the first game, the Ilocos Sur CS Tigers of Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson and Coach Johnedel Cardel trounced the Laguna Golden Lions, 76-67.
BOX SCORES:
GENERAL SANTOS (90) – Medalla 29, Parreno 11, Musni 8, Alih 8, B. Pacquiao 7, Mendoza 6, Cordero 5, Concepcion 5, Angeles 5, Nicdao 2, Sagad 2, Callo 2.
MANDAUE (70) – Doruelo 9, Mario Basco 9, Villanil 8, Mondragon 8, Sta. Cruz 8, Capus 8, Guiyab 7, Magsumbol 4, Losentes 3, Marlon Basco 2, Villaver 2, Dedicatoria 2.