Warriors pull off big reversal

The Surigao Warriors hacked out the biggest upset so far in the 2000 MBA Fedex Crossover Cup as they stunned the reigning national champion Manila Metrostars, 89-80, yesterday at the Urios Gym in Butuan City.

Coming off a 91-99 loss to the Nueva Ecija Patriots last Wednesday, the Warriors returned to make a rousing debut at home turf as they pulled the rug from under the Metrostars, giving coach Jimmy Mariano his first win with the ballclub.

The tailender in the Southern Conference last year, Surigao rode high on the exploits of new recruit Richard Melencio as it dealt Manila its second straight defeat following a 71-66 win over SOCSKSARGEN on opening day.

Melencio erupted with a game-high 20 points, striking hardest in the opening half, as the Warriors jumped the gun on the Metrostars, who played minus ace guard Alex Compton.

Melencio spearheaded a searing first-quarter attack that had Surigao breaking the game open early at 31-17.

Apollo Lim and Lou Regidor joined forces with Melencio in the second quarter as the Warriors continued to pound the Metrostars to take a 53-39 cushion at halftime.

Over in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, the Lakers went to Fil-Am recruit Chris Clay in the fourth quarter to outduel the skidding Cebu Gems, 85-78, for their second victory in three outings. -