Series tied

MARK Magsumbol played through pain and Nat Cruz proved to be a revelation as the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños took Game 2, 78-75, to even the Tournament of the Philippines finals series at the Cebu Coliseum.

Magsumbol, who came out as one of the surprise starters for coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba, showed why he became an NCAA MVP while still playing for the St. Benilde’s College and came out with an exceptional game at both ends of the court, despite
suffering a pulled muscle on his left calf.

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His defense on Reed Friar Juntilla limited the former member of the University of the Visayas Lancers to just nine points after scoring 19 last Tuesday. Cruz, who was the most outstanding player in the middle, limited the production of Neil Rañeses to just five after making 17 in Game 1.

Their best performance came in the third period when the Niños established a 55-41 lead at the 4:50 mark. Magsumbol scored eight, including two triples, and Cruz scored a triple and a jumper in Cebu’s 16-11 rally.

It was at this point when the Meteors rallied hard and behind the barrage of triples from Patrick Cabahug, the visiting squad was able to tie the game at 63 at 6:06 of the final period.

The Niños banked on the veteran leadership of Froilan Baguion who masterfully quarterbacked Cebu to stay afloat despite the offensive barrage of the Meteors.

But as Cebu protected a four-point margin, Cabahug’s triple in the final 64 seconds of the game made the game more interesting.

The Niños missed their shot at the other end but they made it up defensively with Magsumbol swiping the ball away from Juntilla. Baguion completed the steal and dashed
for a fast break point.

However, Baguion was fouled by Khiel Misa injuring the Cebu player who was given two free throws.

Stephen Padilla made the shot for Baguion but his split charities in the final 22.5 seconds gave the Meteors some hope to steal or send the game into overtime, 77-75.

However, Cebu’s defense forced the ball into the hands of Rañeses, who missed a short jumper and Bruce Dacia was fouled after making the rebound with 3.1 seconds left in the game.

Although, Dacia split his free throws, Cebu’s defense was good enough to deny the Meteors a decent attempt.

Cruz topscored for the Niños with 14 points, Magsumbol added 12, Dacia finished with 11 and Marlon Basco had 10. Cabahug scored the game high 19 points, including four triples, but was the lone player to score in double digits for the Meteors.