MisOr sets up title duel vs. Cobra in TOP hoop

GENERAL SANTOS CITY , Philippines  — Misamis Oriental expectedly beat Pacman Gensan, 78-70, to arrange a title showdown with Cobra Energy Drink in the second leg of the Tournament of the Philippines (TOP) Friday at the Lagao gym here.

Former NCAA standouts Khiel Misa, Dino Daa and Mark Andaya starred for the Meteors of Gov. Oscar Moreno as they combined in an early blitz to set the tone for a runaway win – their second in three games to arrange a rematch with the Ironmen.

Cobra failed to complete a three-game sweep of the elims after absorbing a heart-breaking 84-83 defeat to Treston-Laguna in the first game – no thanks to a 30-foot buzzer-beating trey by veteran Ricky Ricafuente.

Cobra and Misamis Oriental are playing for the championship at presstime.

Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao came late in the game but played for the whole of the third quarter to the delight of his adoring fans. Still, his presence failed to provide the needed offensive spark, thus giving Meteors enough ammunition to dominate the game.

And for the first time, Pacquiao failed to contribute even a single point for the Warriors after scoring four markers in a won game against Laguna in the opener last Wednesday and draining a triple in an 83-79 loss to the Ironmen.

“It’s going to tough to face Cobra, they’re young, athletic and talented. Sana matalo namin sila,” said coach Jun Noel, whose team lost to Cobra 70-69 in the elims.

Misa led the Meteors with 22 points, five steals and three assists a while Daa added 11 points and nine rebounds. Mark Moreno put the Meteors up 71-49 with six minutes left in the game and finished with 10 points, six assists and four steals.

The 6-foot-7 Andaya, who scored just four points, provided little entertainment to the game after blocking the shot of the city’s favorite son. Gentleman as ever, Pacquiao just smiled at Andaya, who in return, tapped his back.

The scores

First game

Treston Laguna (84) - Bolocon 29, Mercado 13, Losentes 12, Mangahas 9, Ricafuente 7, Grijaldo 5, Sanz 4, Musni 3, Capati 2

Cobra (83) - Lingganay 19, Tecson 13, Espiritu 12, Nabong 10, Barua 10, Acuna 6, Simpson 5, Afable 4, Bagatsing 4

Quarterscores: 23-18; 41-45; 57-60; 84-83

Second game

MisOr (78) - Misa 22, Daa 11, Moreno 10, Lamocha 9, Cabahug 8, Saldua 6, Raneses 6, Andaya 4, Butel 2

GenSan (70) - Coronado 22, Gonzaga 10, Timon 10, Daja 9, Nicdao 7, Medalla 6, Yambao 4, Parreno 2

Quarterscores: 25-13; 45-34; 60-45; 78-70. (FREEMAN NEWS)