Pacman GenSan gains headstart in TOP fifth leg

MANILA, Philippines - MP Pacman GenSan frolicked from the beyond the arc to defeat Cobra Energy Drink, 89-77, at the start of the fifth leg of the Tournament of the Philippines (TOP) at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym in Manila yesterday.

Owned by boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, the Warriors hit 13 of 29 triples, the bulk coming in the final half, as they coasted to the victory in the tournament jointly organized by the Philippine Basketball League and Liga Pilipinas.

The Ironmen, who ruled the GenSan leg three weeks ago, made only seven treys out of 36.

Forward Taguig, meanwhile, thumped Ascof Lagundi, 92-77, to open its campaign.

With Lou Gatumbato leading the attack, the Forwarders led as many as 23 points in the second half. Gatumbato led six Taguig players in double figures with 17 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals in 27 minutes.

Jonathan Parreno, John Gonzaga, Christian Nicdao and Angel Raymundo combined to turn a 40-39 halftime deficit into a commanding 73-51 lead with about a minute left before the final period.