Sunday, December 16, 2007 MisOr foils MLKP sweep, forges Game 3 in MVBA finals
MINDANAO champion Holcim Pryce Pharma-Misamis Oriental atoned for its woeful miscues with precise shooting as the visiting team forged a winner-take-all rubbermatch after defeating M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Jewelers, 97-94, in Game 2 of the best-of-three 2007 MVBA Second Conference championship last Friday at the Cebu Coliseum.
Despite committing 20 turnovers, MisOr dictated the tempo of the game in the second half to frustrate the Jewelers’ attempt to sweep the series. The First Conference champion converted 34-of-54 field goal attempts and they took the game by storm in the second half as the Jewelers, who committed only nine turnovers, were struggling and sank only 29-out-of-65 shots.
After erecting a slim 42-40 lead at the bend, MisOr outscored the Jewelers 20-10 in the first four minutes and 32 seconds of the third period to establish a 62-50 lead with 5:28 left to play.
The Jewelers were able to cut it down to 66-73 when Woodrow Enriquez scored eight straight points as MLKP ended the period just five points behind.
However, MisOr did not budge under pressure this time and continued to keep the Jewelers at bay behind the prowess of Anton Viloria, Nat Cruz and Mar Moreño.
M. Lhuillier tried a last ditch effort capped by an Enriquez triple at the final 5.9 seconds that put the Jewelers behind 93-94. However, Cruz was steady at the free throw line to force Game 3, which was being played at press time last night.
Cruz topped MisOr scorers with 24 marker, followed by Moreño who finished with 18 points.
Enriquez, who scored 15 in the third quarter, scored a game-high 30 points for the Jewelers. (RCM)
