Laguna Golden Lions maul MP Warriors

MANILA, Philippines - The Laguna Golden Lions served notice of their title bid as they held off the MP Warriors of GenSan, 69-61, in the SMC Liga Pilipinas Conference V General Santos City leg at the GMP Sports Complex in General Santos City Thursday night.

Trailing by six, 47-53, the Golden Lions toughened up on defense in the final period, limiting the Warriors to only eight points while scoring 22 of their own to fashion out the victory.

Edwin Asoro shone on both ends of the floor, keying a crucial eight-point run in the fourth while pulling down seven rebounds.

The Golden Lions’ victory was marred by the ejection of EJ Feihl and Jam Alfad, who mixed it up in a rebound play.

Robert Sanz led the way for the Golden Lions with 13 points and finished with nine rebounds while Glenn Bolocon added 13 points.

Louie Medalla scored 10 points for the Warriors.

Earlier, Cebu Landmasters RDAK-Mandaue moved closer to the finals by edging the Ilocos Sur CS Tigers, 66-64, and remained unbeaten in two starts in the tournament backed by San Miguel, Molten, Summit Natural Drinking Water and Accel.

Ariel Capus exploded for 20 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and came through with four assists and four steals as he took over from Mark Magsumbol, who didn’t see action with an injured back.

Harold Sta. Cruz backed him up with 11 points and seven rebounds.

Raymond Aguilar paced the Tigers with 17 points and 10 rebounds while Chito Jaime added 14 points and six rebounds.