Host Tigers, Niños seal title clash

SANTO DOMINGO, Ilocos Sur, Philippines  – Host Ilocos Sur CS Tigers and defending champion M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños disposed of separate rivals Thursday night to arrange a winner-take-all showdown for the championship of the SMC Liga Pilipinas Conference V Ilocos Sur Leg at the Santo Domingo People’s Center.

Warren Ybanez scored 10 of his team-high 19 points in the fourth quarter as the Tigers rallied past the Laguna Golden Lions, 82-78.

Ybanez combined with Ramsey Williams and Jemal Vizcarra as the Tigers grabbed the lead for the first time at 75-73. Bryan Faundo quickly equalized for the Lions but Chito Jaime scored on the other end for another Ilocos Sur lead, 77-75, 1:18 left in the contest.

Earlier, the Niños of Michel Lhuillier and coach Raul Alcoseba blasted the MP Warriors of Rep. Manny Pacquiao and coach Arvin Bonleon, 98-75.

On top by nine entering the final period, 69-60, the Niños turned to rookie Ferdinand Lusdoc of Bohol Institute of Technology who banged in six points to key a 17-5 run that put the Niños beyond reach, 86-65. 

Jayford Rodriguez scored 24 points in the first three periods and finished with 10 rebounds to earn the Best Player honors. While Abby Santos added 19 points and 11 rebounds. 

Christopher Concepcion and Alfie Grijaldo paced the Warriors with 12 points each.

The Warriors and Lions will dispute third place.

Ybanez then went four of six from the line and the Tigers clinched the win when Ricky Ricafuente misfired a triple in the closing seconds with Ilocos ahead at 81-78. Vizcarra added another free throw for the final tally.

Ybanez finished with a double-double job of 19 points and 10 rebounds while Williams added 15 points and eight assists for the Tigers, owned by Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson and handled by coach Johnedel Cardel. 

Glenn Bolocon scored 20 points and nine rebounds while Faundo tossed in 15 points and hauled down 11 rebounds for the Lions of Gov. ER Ejercito and coach Nomar Isla.