MisOr Meteors, Landmasters pull thru in OT

CAGAYAN DE ORO ,Philippines  – The host Misamis Oriental Meteors needed extra time to subdue the defending national champion M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños, 81-74, and the Cebu Landmasters RDAK-Mandaue went through two extensions before prevailing over the MP Warriors of GenSan in the opening game, 86-80.

Dino Daa starred in the overtime by hitting the Meteors’ first five points, including the go-ahead triple with 2:29 remaing, 75-72.

M. Lhuillier suddenly went cold as Ken Bono shot four free throws for a 79-72 edge at the 46-second mark. Ardy Larong sealed the win with a basket and 19 ticks to play, 81-72.

Neil Raneses forced the overtime via a tip-in off a Rudy Lingganay miss with 14 seconds left in regulation at 70. In the ensuing play, M. Lhuillier threw away the ball but recovered with a solid defensive stand that stopped a driving Egay Billones at the buzzer.

Raneses led the Meteors with 17 points while Lingganay had a good all-around performance of 15 points, eight rebounds, six assists and six steals.

With the win, the Meteors of Gov. Oscar Moreno and coach Jun Noel improved to 2-0 and placed a foot in today’s finale of the event backed by San Miguel, Molten, Summit Natural Drinking Water and Accel. M. Lhuillier leveled its card at 1-1.

Meanwhile, Liga pacesetter Mandaue turned to two-time weekly Most Valuable Player Mark Magsumbol in the two extra periods where the latter scattered 15 of his 22 total markers despite a hurting lower back.

Jam Alfad tied the game for the last time at 76-76 on two free throws after which Magsumbol scored Mandaue’s next seven markers for an 83-77 advantage with 29 ticks left.