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Monday, March 27, 2006
Torion leads win
By Rommel C. Manlosa
Sun.Star Staff Reporter
JIMWELL Torion’s professional-league experience proved too much for the youthful and inexperienced Mantawi Traders.
The former Philippine Basketball Association guard scattered 23 points to lead the Toledo City Landmasters to an 81-67 victory in the opening day of the Mindanao-Visayas Basketball Association (MVBA) Visayas division action at the MA Barba Sports Complex in Toledo City.
Torion, who was released by Red Bull as a free agent, scored 16 in the first half that helped the Landmasters erect a 42-22 lead at 2:53 of the second quarter as the Traders were strewn with turnovers and defensive lapses.
Morale booster
Deadly shooter Alex Cainglet and Ronald Paraiso, who finished with 16 and 11 points, respectively, added offensive firepower with Cainglet sinking four triples and Paraiso nailing two, including the one at the 6:19 mark of the third period that snapped nearly seven minutes of scoring drought that started late in the second period.
“I’m very happy. I hope this victory will serve as a morale booster to my players. Most of them haven’t played in big leagues like this for quite some time now and I hope with this win, they will regain their confidence,” said Toledo head coach Leoncio “Jun” Tan.
The Traders, who were organized barely 20 days before the tournament, struggled in the first 17 minutes as they succumbed to the pressure that led to a 20-point deficit.
However, things went smoothly for the Traders late in the second period as they made a 14-0 to cut the lead down to 49-52.
Jitters
Toledo City regained its poise at the 1:04 mark of the penultimate quarter, making a quick 6-0 blitz to keep a 58-49 distance entering the final frame.
A quick five-point burst at the start of the fourth quarter was all it took for the Landmasters to show their dominance as the youthful Traders found themselves buried in the game again with Torion scoring seven points and Cainglet drilling his last two triples.
“This team will go places. It’s just the usual first-game jitters because most of my players are rookies. It won’t be long before this team becomes a force to reckon with,” said Mantawi coach Eddie Ybañez.
Cebu Landmasters (81) – Torion 23, Cainglet 16, Paraiso 11, Bat-og 10, Ursal 8, Saladaga 6, Mangubat 3, Almonte 2, Cañoneo 2. Mantawi (67) – Sevilla 16, Almacin 16, Garcia 9, Berami 7, Pepito 6, Ducay 5, Calo 3, Guangko 3, Yuson 2. Quarters: 24-13; 42-26; 58-49; 81-67.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (March 27, 2006 issue)
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