GENERAL SANTOS CITY—The Laguna Golden Lions served notice of their title hopes by stopping the MP Warriors of GenSan, 69-61, in the SMC Liga Pilipinas Conference V General Santos City leg Thursday night at the GMP Sports Complex.
Trailing by six, 47-53, the Golden Lions of Gov. ER Ejercito and coach Philip Cezar turned to their defense in the final period, limiting the Warriors of Rep. Manny Pacquiao and coach Arvin Bonleon to only eight points while unloading 22 markers.
New recruit Edwin Asoro excelled on both ends of the floor as he scattered eight points to go with seven rebounds. 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. Glenn Bolocon also added 13.
Louie Medalla was the only Warrior in twin digits with 10 markers as the whole squad struggled.
Earlier, Cebu Landmasters RDAK-Mandaue planted one foot into Saturday’s finals by edging the Ilocos Sur CS Tigers, 66-64.
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 injured team leader Mark Magsumbol.
The Tigers are facing the possibility of not qualifying for next month’s Super Leg unless they end their current skid—four straight losses and 10th overall in 14 games.