Landmasters back on track

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines  – Top seed Cebu Landmasters RDAK-Mandaue returned to the winning track by disposing of the debuting Laguna Golden Lions, 76-69, in the SMC Liga Pilipinas Conference V Super Leg at the Xavier University Gymnasium Wednesday night.

Stung by a 71-72 loss to the defending national champion M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños the day before, Mandaue of Joe Soberano and Rick King and coach Jun Tan vented its ire on the Golden Lions of Gov. ER Ejercito and coach Philip Cezar as newcomer Vic Manuel teamed up with old hands Leo Losentes and Hafer Mondragon to seize the first period, 27-14.

Losentes then pushed Mandaue to its biggest lead at 54-38 in the third period but the Golden Lions rallied behind big men Bernzon Franco and EJ Feihl to close in entering the final period, 55-60.

Robert Sanz then scored seven straight Laguna points to put them at their closest, 66-69, and 3:57 to play. However, Ariel Capus answered with a three-point play to make it 72-69 and the Mandaue defense prevented Laguna from scoring another field goal from thereon. The Golden Lions did not help their cause by missing free throws while Manuel sealed the win with two timely baskets down the stretch.

Manuel led Mandaue with 13 points and eight rebounds while Losentes had 12 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals.