Spring Cooking Oil upends AdU, ends title drought

Spring Cooking Oil-San Pablo ended a long title drought Sunday by downing Manila-Adamson University for the second straight night, 80-73, to rule the Panasonic Cup-7 Lakes invitational basketball title at the Aquino gym in San Pablo City.

The 7 Lakers of Nathaniel "Tac" Padilla and Mayor Florante "Boy" Aquino scored six consecutive points to wiggle out of a 66-66 tie and lead for good, 72-66, with 3:53 remaining.

"It feels good to win the title in front of the home crowd," said Spring-SP coach Mike Buendia.

Rodel Manuel, who was eventually named MVP of the tourney sponsored by Sulpicio Lines and hosted by Aquino, led Spring-SP with 21 points.

UA-Pampanga’s Pelicans whipped Sulpicio Lines-Cagayan de Oro, 96-80, in the other game to finish third.

Spring-SP’s Robin Mendoza, Adamson’s Mark Abadia and Ken Bono and Pampanga’s Dave Bautista joined Manuel in the Mythical Five.

In the side events, CdO’s Jester Adams won the one-on-one contest, Spring-SP’s Jonathan Serrano emerged 3-point king and Pampanga’s Alex Bognot bagged the slamdunk title.