Red Oilers tame MP Warriors in GenSan opener

GENERAL SANTOS, Philippines – Quezon bounced back into contention as it carved out a 78-74 victory over Gen. Santos at the start of the Smart Liga Pilipinas Conference III General Santos City leg at the Lagao gym here Wednesday.

With the win, the Red Oilers hiked their total to nine Liga Tour points for sixth place as they moved within striking distance of the fifth running and defending national champion Misamis Oriental (11 points).

The Warriors of Manny Pacquiao remained at eighth and just inside the playoff picture.

Last conference, the Red Oilers made it all the way to the national semifinals. With their key players back in the fold, they finished runner-up at home in last week’s Quezon Province leg at the Quezon Convention Center.

“We want to get the home court advantage in the playoffs for the Super Leg this November,” said Quezon coach Oliver Bunyi. “It’s a big morale booster playing before our home fans.”

In the first game, the Smart-Pampanga Buddies whipped the undermanned Zamboanga Uno Latinos, 103-72.

Showing up with only six players, the Latinos struggled all game for their fifth straight loss in the conference backed by Smart, Accel, Molten, Calcium-Cee, Gatorade, Air 21 and Burlington.

 and sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

Meanwhile, selected games from the General Santos City leg will be shown next week. Liga Pilipinas Classics are also aired every morning on Viva Prime Channel while Liga Pilipinas’ official website may be found at www.ligapilipinas.net.

In the first game, the Smart-Pampanga Buddies under Coach Allan Gregorio pulverized an undermanned Zamboanga Uno Latinos, 103-72. Showing up with only six players, the Latinos easily fell prey and dropped their fifth straight game in the conference supported by Smart, Accel, Molten, Calcium-Cee, Gatorade, Air 21 and Burlington and sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

Selected games from the General Santos City Leg will be shown next week on Solar Sports. Liga Pilipinas Classics air every morning on Viva Prime Channel. Liga Pilipinas’ official website may be found at www.ligapilipinas.net.