Laguna Golden Lions served notice of their title hopes by stopping the MP Warriors of GenSan, 69-61, in continuing action in the SMC Liga Pilipinas Conference V General Santos City Leg last Thursday night at the GMP Sports Complex.
Trailing by six, 47-53, the Golden Lions of Gov. ER Ejercito and coach Philip Cezar limited the Warriors of Rep. Manny Pacquiao and coach Arvin Bonleon to only eight points in the final quarter while unloading 22 of their own.
New recruit Edwin Asoro scored eight points to go with seven rebounds in the emotion-packed contest. The Golden Lions’ victory was marred by a skirmish between EJ Feihl and Jam Alfad after a rebound play, resulting in both players’ ejection.
Robert Sanz led the way for the Golden Lions with 13 points on top of nine rebounds while Glenn Bolocon had 13. Louie Medalla was the only Warrior in twin digits with 10 markers as the whole squad struggled.
Earlier in the day, Cebu Landmasters RDAK-Mandaue planted one foot into Saturday’s finals by edging the Ilocos Sur CS Tigers, 66-64, and remained undefeated in two starts in the tournament supported by San Miguel, Molten, Summit Natural Drinking Water and Accel.
Making up for his scoreless performance the other day, Ariel Capus exploded for 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and four steals to make up for the absence of team leader Mark Magsumbol who opted to rest his injured back from a hard fall the day earlier in their win over the Golden Lions. Harold Sta. Cruz provided support with 11 points and seven rebounds.
Raymond Aguilar paced the CS Tigers of Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson and coach Johnedel Cardel with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Chito Jaime scored 14 points and had six rebounds.
While the wards of Joe Soberano, Rick King and coach Jun Tan prepare to go for their third weekly trophy, the CS Tigers are facing the grim possibility of not qualifying for next month’s Super Leg unless they end their current skid – their fourth straight and 10th overall loss in 14 games.
