Cabahug, Moreno lift Meteors past Buddies

CEBU CITY , Philippines – Misamis Oriental leaned on Patrick Cabahug’s game-long brilliance and Mark Moreno’s hustle at endgame as it rallied to beat the Pampanga Smart, 70-62, last night to open its title bid in the Super Leg of Liga Pilipinas at the Cebu City Coliseum here.

Cabahug, a former Adamson standout, came away with 19 points, while Moreno, a pride of West Negros College, chipped in four points in the clutch and shone in defense to key the Meteors’ breakaway midway in the fourth period.

“It was a good start, we hope to sustain it,” said MisOr coach Jun Noel.

The tournament is sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and sponsored by Smart, Accel, Nolten, Burlington, Biofresh, Calcium Free, Gatorade, San Miguel Beer, Air21, Casino Alcohol, Omega Pain Killer, M Lhuillier Kwarta Padala and host Cebu councilor Yayoy Alcoseba.

Fil-Nigerian Hans Thiele, the former UE stalwart, paced the Allan Gregorio-mentored Smart Buddies with 14 points while Allan Husted scored 12 points.

Pampanga actually led, 55-48, going into the final period as Jonathan Aldave, a Letran alumnus, scored six unanswered points.

Moreno then came in and helped power the Meteors to the lead with his clutch shooting, defense and heads up plays.

Melvin Mamaclay, who saw action with Sta. Lucia Realty in the PBA, then buried a pair of triples to give the Meteors the lead for good.