As of this writing last night, the MLSDF-Mantawi Traders of coach Hermogenes "Ancing" Anciado and team consulant Eddie Ybañez are still slugging it out with Lilo-an Selection in a sudden-death duel for the coveted championship.
Cortes topped with 17 points followed by Patrick Jacobe with 16, while Jeffrey Moriles chipped in 12 markers for MLSDF-Mantawi, which got off to a sizzling 25-14 start.
After an even second-quarter battle, MLSDF-Mantawi caught fire anew and launched a devastating 30-19 rally in the third canto to mount a commanding 22-point lead, 76-54, that sent Carmen All-Stars wobbling the rest of the way.