Cebu sweeps Laguna, enters Liga title round

MANILA, Philippines - Defending national champion M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu made a return trip to the national finals by repeating over Trace-Laguna, 90-86, to complete its sweep of their best-of-five semifinal series in the Smart Liga Pilipinas Conference II at the Trace College gym in Los Baños, Laguna Saturday.

In Cagayan de Oro City, Quezon likewise moved closer to another possible finals showdown with Cebu as it scored a come-from-behind victory over Misamis Oriental to seize a 2-1 lead in their side of the semis clash.

The Red Oilers proved steadier than the Meteors down the stretch to clinch the victory.

Game Four is set for tomorrow at the Red Oilers’ Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City. A victory by MisOr will set a do-or-die match also set in Lucena City Wednesday.

The Niños broke away midway in the final period to post a 78-70 lead. But the Stallions refused to give up and battled to within 80-83, behind RB Mangahas, Ricky Ricafuente and Jerwin Gaco, with 1:22 left in the contest.

The Stallions, however, failed to move closer after Cebu muffed the team’s offensive play as Ricky Ricafuente turned the ball over, then Marlon Basco banged in a crucial triple in the last 29 seconds to make it 86-83 for the Niños.