Cobra seeks second TOP straight title

MANILA, Philippines - Cobra Energy Drink shoots for its second straight leg title as action in the Tournament of the Philippines (TOP) shifts to Los Baños, Laguna for its third staging at the Trace College gym today.

The Ironmen, who ruled the second leg in Gen. Santos City following a 92-85 overtime win over Misamis Oriental last Saturday, battle fellow PBL team Ascof Lagundi in the opening game at 4 p.m.

Meantime, Mandaue, one of the top teams from Liga Pilipinas, opens its campaign against Treston-Laguna at 6:30 p.m.

A brief opening ceremony is set at 6 p.m. with officials of both the PBL and Liga Pilipinas, led by Noli Eala, Perry Martinez, Tommy Ong and Butch Maniego, expected to attend.

The Ironmen, behind Pari Llagas and Elmer Espiritu of UE, overcame a big 24-point deficit to fashion out the come-from-behind victory in the fledging tournament.

The win netted the Asia Brewery franchise 12 points to trail first leg champion M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Cebu by three points.

Ascof Lagundi claimed second spot in the first leg and is tied with MisOr for third place with seven points while the Stallions, who placed third and fourth in two legs, has six points.

The Cough Busters will rely again on Sean Co, Edwin Asoro, Raymond Aguilar, Rob Labagala and former PBL Most Valuable Player Vic Manuel as they take on the Ironmen.

Laguna, led by former Asean Basketball League standouts Glenn Bolocon and Ricky Ricafuente and GenSan leg Best Rebounder Alain Musni, is slightly favored over the Landmasters.

Each team will gain one point for every win while a team that sweeps the elimination round will get additional two-point bonus. The leg champion gets 10 points, the runner-up receives five points while the third and fourth placers get three and one points, respectively.