Stallions flatten Mang Inasal; Misamis Oriental unbeaten

LOS BANOS, Laguna, Philippines  – Host Trace-Laguna Stallions disposed of the tough Iloilo Mang Inasal, 72-66, to kick off hostilities in the Laguna leg of the 2009 Smart Liga Pilipinas Conference II at the Stallions’ Gym of Trace College Wednesday evening.

It was relatively smooth sailing for the team of Erwin Genuino and coach Nomar Isla, who led by as many as 17 points at halftime, 42-25, on the hot hands of RB Mangahas, Glen Bolocon and Jan Villaver.

The Mang Inasal of Robert Uy and coach Jerry Jaranilla sprang to life in the third canto. Guard Eldrin Senierez outscored the entire Laguna team, 16-15, allowing Iloilo to threaten entering the final 10 minutes, 50-57.

However, an 11-4 blast at the start of the fourth period led to a 68-54 Stallions’ lead going into the final two minutes. 

From there, Isla designed plays to set up big man Samuel Ekwe, who needed two points to achieve a rare triple-double on top of his 14 rebounds and 11 blocks. Ekwe was fouled with nine seconds left but missed one of his two free throws. He then had one last chance but his jumper at the buzzer bounced off the rim.

Mangahas paced the winners with 15 while Bolocon followed with 10. Senierez finished with 25 points while Jojo Laborte added 11 as Iloilo remained winless in five starts in the conference backed by Smart, ML Kwarta Padala, Air 21, Burlington , Laptop Phoneshop, Molten and Accel and sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

In the first game, the Misamis Oriental Meteors of Gov. Oscar Moreno and coach Jun Noel stretched their undefeated run to five games by besting the Smart-Pampanga Buddies, 81-75.

The intense contest produced eight ties and 11 lead changes. Back-to-back baskets by veteran guard Joey Mente gave the Meteors the lead for good, 73-71, with 3:55 to play. Khiel Misa tied the game for the last time but Mark Yee quickly responded with a basket followed by an assist to Ian Daja for more cushion with 1:22 to play, 77-73.

Terrell Theophile then countered with a 15-footer to cut the lead to 75-77. 

The Meteors could not buy a basket but collared key offensive rebounds to further melt the time. Mente then added one more free throw off an Adonis Sta. Maria foul with seven seconds to go, 78-75.

The Buddies of Coach Allan Gregorio had one last chance to force an extension but a costly fumble led to Mark Moreno picking up the loose ball followed by a miraculous mid-court heave at the buzzer that pegged the final tally. It was a sorry loss for the Buddies who took the first half, 46-35, and controlled the third and majority of the final period.

It was a good day for the Marks with Yee topping the Meteors with 23 points plus eight rebounds and four assists. Mark Kong scored 11 of his 13 points in the first half followed by Moreno with 12 points and four assists. Don Camaso was the lone Buddy in twin digits with 14. Emmerson Oreta, Sta. Maria and Alwin Espiritu all had eight markers each.

 How They Scored:

 First Game

Misamis Oriental 81 - Yee 23, Kong 13, Mente 12, Moreno 12, Tagupa 7, Daja 5, Paterno 4, Sanchez 3, Bombeo 2, Gudez 0, Numeran 0, Micutuan 0.

Pampanga 75 - Camaso 14, Espiritu 8, Sta. Maria 8, Oreta 8, Theophile 7, Urbiztondo 7, Misa 5, Gelig 5, Mercado 4, Cruz 4, Nicdao 3, Kalaw 2, Vizcarra 0.

Period Scores: 16-20, 35-46, 60-61, 81-75.

Second Game

Laguna 72 - Mangahas 15, Bolocon 10, Villaver 9, Ekwe 9, Sanz 7, Ricafuente 6, Legaspi 5, Estrada 3, Angeles 3, Magdadaro 2, Reyes 2, Doruelo 1, Palaganas 0.

Iloilo 66 - Senierez 25, Laborte 11, Tan 8, Barcellano 7, Vergara 7, Garrido 4, Abaring 2, Sencil 2, Tizon 0, Manajero 0, Dumot 0.

Period Scores: 20-10, 42-25, 57-50, 72-66.