Cebuanos dump MP Warriors, put away third Liga cage title

GENERAL SANTOS CITY—Cebu Landmasters RDAK-Mandaue grabbed its third weekly championship by walloping host MP Warriors of GenSan, 76-65, at the close of the General Santos City Leg of the SMC Liga Pilipinas Conference V at the GMP Sports Complex Saturday night.

With the victory, the team of Joe Soberano and Rick King is already assured of topping the overall standings with one more tournament to be played next week in Cagayan de Oro.

Guard Ariel Capus put up a scorching offensive display in the fourth period, shooting three triples as Mandaue turned the game wide open.

Mark Magsumbol and Marlon Basco also provided timely baskets that kept the MP Warriors in check.

Capus finished with 27 points on 11-of-14 shooting, plus eight rebounds. Magsumbol supported him with 14 points and Basco with 12.

Louie Medalla paced the Warriors with 13 markers followed by Jonathan Parreno with nine.

For his good play when it mattered most, Capus was named the week’s Most Valuable Player. The former Jose Rizal University Heavy Bomber dedicated the award to his family.

Mandaue coach Jun Tan also became the sixth coach in Liga history to win three or more weekly titles. The list includes Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba, Jun Noel, Nomar Isla, Oliver Bunyi and Bing Victoria.

Meanwhile, the Ilocos Sur CS Tigers of Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson and coach Johnedel Cardel copped third place at the expense of the Laguna Golden Lions of Gov. ER Ejercito and coach Philip Cezar, 82-79.

The CS Tigers picked up three points and finished the Tour Phase with a total of 15, a point better than the MP Warriors. However, the Warriors will still see action this week, thus putting the Tigers’ hopes in jeopardy.

The Golden Lions are assured of making it to the Super Leg with 19 points, good for third place overall.

The scores:
First Game
ILOCOS SUR 82—De Castro 18, Jaime 11, Canizares 10, Williams 8, Sanders 7, Gonzalez 7, Aguilar 7, Ybanez 6, Vizcarra 4, Taylor 2, Palaganas 2, Zablan 0, Junio 0, Santos 0.
LAGUNA 79—Bolocon 30, Feihl 14, Sanz 13, Saguindel 4, Fampulme 4, Mercado 4, Glorioso 3, Legaspi 3, Ricafuente 2, Asoro 2, Flores 0.
Quarters: 20-22, 45-40, 64-55, 82-79
Second Game
MANDAUE 76—Capus 27, Marlon Basco 14, Magsumbol 12, Doruelo 6, Dedicatoria 6, Sta. Cruz 5, Mondragon 4, Guiyab 2, Losentes 0, Villaver 0.
GENERAL SANTOS 65—Medalla 13, Parreno 9, Nicdao 7, Musni 7, Sagad 7, Mendoza 7, Alfad 6, Cordero 4, Pacquiao 2, Angeles 2, Callo 1, Bucao 0.
Quarters: 24-21, 35-33, 52-53, 76-65