Misamis Oriental rules TOP 4th leg

MANILA, Philippines - Playing with the same level of energy, Misamis Oriental routed ANI-FCA for the second time, 88-66, to rule the fourth leg of the Tournament of the Philippines (TOP) Friday at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Center.

Former Letran star Mark Andaya provided the additional firepower for the star-studded squad of coach Jun Noel as the Meteors completed a four-game sweep of the tournament jointly organized by the Philippine Basketball League and Liga Pilipinas.

“The players are determined to win the title and they did it by showing their big heart and playing consistent throughout the tournament,” said Noel.

With the victory, the Meteors of Gov. Oscar Moreno got 15 points for a total of 22 points, thus boosting their drive to finish in the top four in the elimination round sponsored by Air21, Molten, Ascof Lagundi, Agrinurture, Treston College, Burlington and Basketball TV.

MP Pacman Warriors, meanwhile, took third place with an 87-74 overtime win over host Mandaue.

The 6-foot-7 Andaya terrorized the shaded lane as he tallied 12 points and four blocks in the first half. That proved huge enough to take the fight out of the Cultivators who played without head coach Arsenio Dysanco.

Former UAAP star Patrick Cabahug also chipped in 12 markers while Neil Raneses and Eder Saldua combined for 21 points. Raneses was later named MVP of the tournament for his consistent performance.

The absence of Dysanco, who had to go back to Manila because of a previous commitment, hastened the downfall of the Cultivators.

Still, it was the best showing so far for the Cultivators who were shut out in the first leg won by Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu.

From a 7-6 slim lead, the Meteors came through with several spurts that saw them take a commanding 50-32 lead at halftime. They were never threatened after that.

The tournament resumes next Wednesday with Ascof Lagundi playing host at Emilio Aguinaldo College gym.