Eagles soar this time over Marlins, 91-88

Mike Manigo delivered the baskets that mattered most as the Davao Eagles turned back the Socsargen Marlins, 91-88, yesterday in the Metropolitan Basketball Association First Phase at the Cebu City Coliseum.

Manigo poured in nine points in the final three minutes of play, including two crucial charities with 3.6 seconds to go that sealed what was only the Eagles’ second victory in nine games. Manigo finished with a game-high 22 points.

The win likewise avenged the Eagles’ 85-101 loss to the Marlins two weeks ago.

It was Bong Marata, however, who earned player of the game honors, with his all-around 20-point, 10-rebound, five-assist and two-steal effort that likewise pulled down the Marlins to 2-7.

In the other game, Cebuana Lhuillier dumped Nueva Ecija, 96-81, to gain a share of the lead with San Juan and Negros on identical 7-3 slates. — Joey Villar