Lagundi clinches TOP first finals slot

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna , Philippines  – Ascof Lagundi used a hot second quarter performance to trounce host Treston-Laguna, 92-82, and clinch the first finals berth in the third leg of the Tournament of the Philippines (TOP) Wednesday at the Trace College Gym here.

With Bam Gamalinda waxing hot early from the perimeter and Fil-Am John Smith making 7-for-8 from the free throw area in the second period, the Cough Busters raced to a 39-14 lead before padding it to 47-23 at halftime.       

The win was the second straight for the Pascual Laboratories-owned franchise after beating Cobra Energy Drink, 104-100, in the opener.

It was also their second finals in the league organized by the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) and Liga Pilipinas. They lost to Lhuillier-Cebu in the first leg.

Meanwhile, Mandaue-Cebu rebounded from a crushing 28-point loss to Treston-Laguna the other day by trouncing Cobra, 92-80, to keep its finals bid alive in the tournament sponsored by Air21, Molten, Ascof Lagundi, Agrinurture, Treston College, Burlington and Basketball TV.