Lion Tiger roars past Rose Aquarius

CEBU, Philippines - Lion Tiger Aerosol-UV Lancers banked on the endgame resiliency of Harold Cincoflores and John Michael Abad to halt the five-game winning run of Rose Aquarius Merchandising, 68-56, even as the visiting University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons survived a physical game against San Marino Corned Tuna-SWU Cobras, 65-56, at the start of the 5th CESAFI Partners' Cup semifinals last Sunday at the USC-Main gym.

Games today

(Cebu Coliseum)

5 pm UP vs. Rose Aquarius/USPF

6:30 pm Gaisano Capital/UC

vs. Lion Tiger Aerosol/UV

Abad scored seven straight points in the crucial stretch as Lion Tiger mounted a 52-44 lead with still five minutes left to play, while Cincoflores put the game away with two insurance free throws, 64-54, with only 34.8 seconds remaining.

Cincoflores and Niño Saycon paced Lion Tiger with 15 points apiece, while Abad chipped in 11 markers.

Rose Aquarius was led by Anthony Linao with 17 points.

Earlier, the Fighting Maroons had to play smarter in the fourth period and turned to the heroics of topgunner Mike Silungan to chop down San Marino.

The game became physical towards the end of the third period where San Marino started gaining ground with a 38-34 edge, but the Fighting Maroons quickly grabbed the upperhand, 45-42, going into the final canto.

The game was still tied at 51-all at the final 5:41 mark, but Silungan hit a triple for a 54-51 UP advantage. He then drilling two more 3-pointers the broke the backs of San Marino.

Silungan topped the Fighting Maroons with 17 points, while Jett Manuel and Nigerian Alinko Mbah added 13 and 10 points, respectively.  (FREEMAN)