Landmasters advance into finals

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Landmasters defeated the Smart-Pampanga Buddies, 74-70, to barge into the finals of the Hapee-sponsored Friendship Cup last night at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Landmasters struggled in the entire game and even allowed Pampanga to take a 35-39 at the half.

Stephen Padilla later took charge of the offense in the third period by drilling in two triples and one three-point play as he sparked a Landmasters’ rally ending the period with just a 55-58 deficit.

Elusive guard Woodrow Enriquez greeted the fourth period with a triple to tie the count at 58-all then Franklin Nailon gave the lead back to the Landmasters by hitting two charities, 60-58, with still 8:01 to go in the game.

Pampanga led for the last time after chris Baluyot’s free throws off a foul by Padilla, 65-64, at the final 3:30 mark, but soon after Carlos Sayon tied the count at 65-all, the Landmasters went on to control the game up to the dying seconds capped by Marlon Basco’s insurance gift shots in the final 4.2 seconds.

Padilla had 16 points for the Landmasters, while Mark Ababon added 12 points and Jett Latonio and Enriquez each finished with 11 points.

Former UST Growling Tigers top gunner Anthony Espiritu led Pampanga with 17 points, while Alwin Espiritu and Earn Saguindel had 12 and 10 points, respectively.

The scores

Landmasters (74) - Padilla 16, Ababon 12, Enriquez 11, Latonio 11, Basco 7, Mercado 5, Cainglet 3, Abadia 3, Sayon 1, Ursal 1

Pampanga (70) - A. Espiritu 17, Al Espiritu 12, Saguindel 10, Arao 9, Baluyot 7, FGelig 5, Vizcara 3, Taylor 3, Alfad 2, Nicdao 2 Halftime: 35-39 -  THE FREEMAN