The vaunted backcourt tandem of ex-pro Jimwell "Tora-Tora" Torion and Alex Cainglet wrecked havoc on all facets of the game to spur the Landmasters of Cebuano realtor Jose Soberano to a rousing start in the tournament backed by ML Kwarta Padala, Sulpicio Lines, Panasonic, Molten, and Nature's Spring.
Torion unloaded 23 points, while Cainglet banged in 16 markers as they connived for seven out of the Landmasters' 10 3-pointers that plunged the heaviest damage on the visiting Traders of Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano.
The other three triples were drilled in by Ronald Paraiso, who showed no signs of rust in his comeback finishing with 11 points. Top center Leo Bat-og added 10 points to underscore Toledo's balanced attack.
"I'm very happy. I hope this victory will serve as a morale-booster to my players. Most of them haven't played in big leagues like this (MVBA) for quite some time now and I hope with this win, they will regain their confidence," said Toledo head coach Jun Tan.
As of this writing, the Landmasters were still playing against M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Jewelers at the Cebu Coliseum.
With Torion and Cainglet taking charge of their offensive artillery, the Landmasters waxed hot at the outset and coasted to a lofty 42-22 lead with 5:15 left before halftime.
The Traders of multi-titled coach Eddie Ybañez, however, ferociously fought back with a fluid 14-0 burst bridging the second and third quarters to whittle the deficit down to a single digit, 36-42.
Paraiso sank a 3-pointer to break the Landmasters' almost seven-minute scoring drought, but the Traders staged another mini-rally to pull within three, 49-52, with 1:17 remaining in the third period.
That proved to be Mantawi's last gasp of breath as the Landmasters, egged on by the flaming cheers of their hometown fans, unleashed a searing 11-0 run to regain a 14-point edge, 63-49, in the final 9:06 mark of the contest.
Mantawi failed to recover from thereon as Torion and Cainglet masterminded a fierce endgame assault to ice Toledo's triumph. Cainglet's fourth and final triple formally knocked the lights off the Traders, 79-62, with a minute left to play.
Collegiate standouts Norman Randy Sevilla and Doroteo Almacin topped Mantawi with 16 points apiece.
A simple opening rites preceded the game. On hand to grace the affair were Toledo Mayor Arlene "Daydee" Espinosa Zambo, councilor Cesar Ian Zambo and MVBA founder and BAP Vice President for the Visayas Raul "Yayoy" Alcoseba.
Meanwhile, the Traders hope to bounce back from their debacle, but face a tall order as they play host to title-favorite M. Lhuillier at 5:30 pm this Tuesday at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.
The scores
Toledo (81) - Torion 23, Cainglet 16, Paraiso 11, Bat-og 10, Ursal 8, Saladaga 6, Mangubat 3, Canoneo 2, Almonte 2
Mantawi (67) - Sevilla 16, Almacin 16, Garcia 9, Berame 7, Pepito 6, Ducay 5, Guangco 2, Calo 2
Quarterscores:24-13, 42-26, 58-49, 81-67