Lions clinch crown in Liga Pilipinas leg

SANTA CRUZ, Laguna, Philippines – The host Laguna Golden Lions were crowned the champions of the SMC Liga Pilipinas Conference V Laguna Leg Saturday via a 94-92 decision over the Misamis Oriental Meteors at the San Luis Sports Complex.

 In control of the game since the first period, the Golden Lions of Gov. ER Ejercito and coach Philip Cezar leaned on a Boyet Bautista triple that gave them the lead for good, 6-4. Bautista then joined Glenn Bolocon and Bryan Faundo in maintaining their advantage.

The Meteors of Gov. Oscar Moreno and coach Jun Noel did not easily give up as they began the third canto with a 9-2 run that put them within a point, 44-45. Bautista answered by scoring 10 points and Faundo and Bolocon continued their scoring spree as the Lions stayed on top entering the fourth period, 70-60.

Egay Billones and Allan Salangsang presided over the Meteors’ final assault that cut their deficit to three, 79-82, and 4:24 left in the game. Again, it was Faundo and Bolocon that bailed out the Lions with timely shots. Bautista and Earn Saguindel sealed the victory from the free throw line with ten ticks to go, 94-86. Two late triples by Dino Daa settled the final tally.

Bolocon powered the Golden Lions with 21 points and seven rebounds while Bautista added 19 points and eight assists. Billones paced the Meteors with 20 markers followed by Ken Bono and Allan Salangsang who both finished with 14 each.

For leading the Golden Lions with a 19.3 scoring average, Bolocon was named as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. It was redemption for the hosts as they made up for their debacle in the Ilocos Sur Leg a month ago wherein they lost all their four games.

The Golden Lions earned 10 points for the championship to vault them to third place in the overall Tour standings with 13. The Meteors picked up five points for a total of 11 and fourth place.

 In the playoff of third place, the MP Warriors of GenSan ended their tournament on a positive note by prevailing over the Ilocos Sur CS Tigers, 83-71. The Warriors of Rep. Manny Pacquiao and coach Arvin Bonleon lost all three preliminary round games.

 Christian Nicdao had a monster game with 19 points, nine rebounds and five blocks. Louie Medalla banged in five triples for 18 points. Ismael Junio paced the Tigers of Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson and Coach Johnedel Cardel with 22 points highlighted by five triples. Chris Santos followed with 10 markers.