Games today (Cebu Coliseum)
4 p.m. – Mandaue vs. Ilocos Sur
6 p.m. – MLKP-Cebu vs. MisOr
THE Mandaue-Cebu Landmaster/RDAK proved they are intent of turning their fortunes around after they upset powerhouse Misamis Oriental Meteors, 67-60, at the start of the Liga Pilipinas V 2nd leg yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.
Armed with a revamped lineup featuring former players of the reigning champions, M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Ninos, the Landmasters steadied down the stretch to get a leg up in the competition. Showing how at home he is with his new team, wingman Mark Magsumbol, formerly of the Ninos, led the squad with 13 points, the same output of Harold Sta. Cruz.
It was a see-saw battle for most of the first half which had Mandaue ahead, 34-31. It was in the third period when the Landmasters made their move as they unloaded an 11-3 run that pushed them ahead, 45-34 with baskets from Magsumbol, Sta. Cruz, Hafer Mondragon and former Liga MVP, Marlon Basco.
The Meteors, runners-up of the tournament last year, got to within three several times in the fourth period but the Landmasters had an answer for every comeback attempt. Patrick Cabahug put the Meteors within three, 53-56, for the last time before Basco and Sta. Cruz scored to put Mandaue further in front, 61-53.
A three-pointer by Axel Doruelo with 2:54 left and free-throws down the stretch by Ariel Capus stopped the Meteors for good.
Cabahug was the lone player in twin digits for the Meteors with 15. His partner-in-crime, Eder Saldua, sustained an injured ankle in the first period and failed to come back. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio