Misamis stuns Cebu in opener

MANILA, Philippines - Mark Andaya hit two pressure-packed charities down the stretch to power Misamis Oriental to a 90-87 win over the fancied M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu in Game One of their title series in the Tournament of the Philippines (TOP) at the Cebu Coliseum in Cebu City Tuesday.

The Meteors blew a 14-point lead in the third quarter but recovered in the fourth before the 6-foot-7 Andaya came through with those free throws that shattered the 87-all count.

The Niños bungled two three-point attempts at the buzzer.

“It was a scary win but I’m happy with the way we closed out the game,” said MisOr coach Jun Noel. “This is really a big win for us.”

For taking the opening game of the best-of-five title series, the Meteors are now assured of playing Games 3 and 4 at their turf in a big boost to their title bid in the event jointly organized by the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) and Liga Pilipinas.

“That’s the most important, we will have two games in Cagayan but we will do everything to win Game 2,” said Noel.

Former UAAP standout Patrick Cabahug hit 25 points, including seven triples as the Meteors surged to a 58-44 lead in the third.

The Ninos, however, fought back with a series of spurts and grabbed a 67-65 edge. But the Meteors countered with an 11-0 run bridging the last two quarters to regain control, 76-67.