Games Today
(Emilio Aguinaldo College gym, Manila)
12 noon — Taguig vs MP Gensan
2 p.m. — Cobra vs Ascof Lagundi

MP Pacman Gensan used its long bombs to sting 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.

Owned by boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, the Warriors knocked down 13 of 29 tries from the three-point zone – the bulk of them came in the final half to jumpstart their title bid in the tournament jointly organized by the Philippine Basketball League and Liga Pilipinas.

In stark contrast, the Ironmen made only seven of 36 tries from the same distance which hastened their downfall.

Forward Taguig debuted in grand fashion by thumping Ascof Lagundi, 92-77, in the second game.

With veteran Lou Gatumbato presiding over Taguig’s attack, the Forwarders led as much as 23 points in the second half that set the tone for a runaway victory. Gatumbato led six Taguig players in double figures with 17 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals in 27 minutes.

Pacman’s Jonathan Parreno, John Gonzaga, Christian Nicdao and Angel Raymundo joined hands to turn a 40-39 halftime deficit into a commanding 73-51 edge with about a minute left before the payoff period.

That was all the Mindanao-based squad needed to get back at the Ironmen who ruled the Gensan leg three weeks ago.

“Magandang adjustments nagawa namin on both ends at medyo alam na namin yung galaw nila (Cobra),” said coach Fean del Rosario.

Parreno fired 5-of-9 triples to finish with 19 points while Gonzaga registered 14 points in just 14 minutes off the bench. Nicdao, a former FEU Tamaraw, had 10 points and five boards.

Raymundo, one of the team’s newest additions, tallied nine points and six rebounds in his Warriors debut and made solid contributions in the second half to help his team pull away.

Also making an appearance is playing team consultant Bobby Pacquiao, the younger brother of team owner and boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, who played in the fourth canto and scored six points on 3-of-7 shooting.

Rugged center Pari Llagas had 18 points and eight rebounds to lead the Ironmen with Peejay Barua hitting 14 markers on 5-of-10 clip. Val Acuna and Kelly Nabong made 12 points apiece.

It was the fifth consecutive defeat for the Asia Brewery franchise dating back to the start of the Laguna leg two weeks ago. In that leg, they finished a disappointing fourth and even lost to an unheralded Mandaue Landmasters in a battle-for-third contest.

The scores:

First Game

MP GENSAN 89 – Parreno 19, Gonzaga 14, Nicdao 10, Raymundo 9, Daja 8, Sagad 7, Pacquiao 6, Yambao 6, Mendoza 4, Medalla 3, Farochilen 3, Locsin 0, Coronado 0.

COBRA 77 – Llagas 18, Barua 14, Acuna 12, Nabong 12, Espiritu 8, Lingganay 4, Canizares 4, Afable 3, Tecson 2, Bagatsing 0.

Quarters: 19-21; 39-40; 75-60; 89-77.

Second Game

FORWARD TAGUIG 92 – Gatumbato 17, Vizcarra 14, Sta Cruz 14, de Castro 12, dela Cuesta 11, Tajonera 10, Marquez 7, Fernandez 5, Cacha 2, Delgado 0, Guiyab 0.

ASCOF LAGUNDI 77 – Gamalinda 18, Anthony 13, Aguilar 13, Taylor 7, Uyloan 6, Asoro 6, Labagala 4, Mangahas 4, Leynes 3, Maliksi 3, Lanete 0, Canlas 0, Co 0.

Quarters: 25-16; 47-33; 65-50; 92-77.