LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — Ascof Lagundi survived Cobra Energy Drink’s spirited comeback to eke out a 104-100 win while host Treston Laguna spoiled the debut of Mandaue at the start of the 3rd leg of the Tournament of the Philippines (TOP) Tuesday at Trace College Gym here.

Jonathan Uyloan scored 10 of his 14 points in the final period, including eight when the Ironmen trimmed a 19-point deficit to just one point to jumpstart their title campaign in tournament jointly organized by the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) and Liga ng Pilipinas.

The Stallions, on the other hand, gave their “kababayans” something to cheer about after scoring a runaway 90-62 win over Mandaue-Cebu.

Robert Sans exploded for 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arch to lead the Stallions to a rousing win.

Laguna’s 28-point winning margin was the largest so far in the three-week old tournament sponsored by Air21, Molten, Ascof Lagundi, Agrinurture, Treston College, Burlington and Basketball TV.

With points coming on transition baskets, the Stallions made 54 percent shooting clip from the field where they converted 35 of 65 attempts. In the first half alone, they made 17 of 21 tries that helped them take post a commanding 48-28 advantage.

The addition of JR Aquino in Laguna’s line-up turned out to be a pleasant move as he provided the intensity and aggressiveness which the team lacked during the first two legs of the tournament.

It was Laguna’s first opening win after going 0-2 in the first two legs.

“This time we’re more on running and we played solid defense in the entire game. JR also gave us the adrenalin we needed. Hopefully we can keep up with this performance until the end of this leg,” said coach Nomer Isla.

Ascof Lagundi raced to a 72-53 lead late in the third period but found themselves being threatened as PJ Barua waxed hot by drilling in 15 of his 20 markers in the final period that pushed them to with 87-88 with 3:23 left in the game.

Uyloan, however, came to Ascof’s rescue as he nailed two triples to pad the Ascof lead back to six, 96-90, which was enough to cushion Cobra’s comeback.

“Jonathan is a very good two-way player since he is a good defender and shooter and very capable to help this team. Our system however is never about one guy since it’s about finding the open guy and his teammates found him in his spots,” said coach Carlo Tan.

Bam Gamalinda had 19 points and 10 rebounds while veteran Sean Co contributed 14 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists as Ascof hopes to better its runner-up finish in the first leg in this tournament.

Ascof Lagundi and Treston Laguna faced each other Wednesday night with the winner gaining the first finals berth.

The scores:

First game

Ascof Lagund 104 – Gamalinda 19, Asoro 16, Uyloan 14, Co 14, Manuel 11, Aguilar 8, Taylor 7, Canlas 6, Lanete 5, Smith 4, Leynes 0, Labagala 0, Maliksi 0, Mangahas 0

Cobra 102 – Tecson 22, Barua 20,Llagas 16, Espiritu 13, Lingganay 11, Bagatsin 10, Nabong 4, Acuna 3, Canizares 1, Afable 0, Simpson 0

Quarters: 32-22, 57-43, 78-65, 104-100

Second game

Treston Laguna 90 – Sanz 24, Bocolon 12, Canizares 10, Musngi 8, Aquino 8, Losentes 7, Ricafuente 5, Mangahas 5, Mercado 3, Legaspi 3, Datang 3, Tolentino 2, Giorioso 0

Mandaue 62 – Latonio 11, Gerilla 8, Dennison 8, Magdadaro 6, Zanorin 5, Gabas 4, Villaver 4, Ursal 4, Diputado 4, Bucao 2, Caputolan 2, Laygo 2, Berame 0.

Quarters: 25-17, 48-28, 63-43, 90-62