Misamis forges title duel with Cobra

GENERAL SANTOS CITY , Philippines  – Misamis Oriental overcame 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 for the win that set them up for a rematch with the Ironmen.

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

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.

Pacquiao failed to contribute 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 tough to face Cobra. They’re young, athletic and talented,” said coach Jun Noel, whose team lost to Cobra, 69-70, in the elims.

Misa led the Meteors with 22 points, five steals and three assists while Daa added 11 points and nine rebounds and Mark Moreno contributed 10 points, six assists and four steals.

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